ANTIPARASITICS

Fenbendazole -- (Panacur) for treatment of giardia. Read the CDC fact sheet for more information on this widespread intestinal parasite which causes severe diarrhea. A vet can analyze a stool sample to identify giardia and prescribe medication.
Dose, oral 50 mg/kg X 5days.

Imidacloprid -- (Advantage) for lice only [it does NOT kill mange mites]
Dosage, topical 10mg/pound. 10mg of Advantage is found in approximately 0.1cc of the product. So give a dose of about 0.1cc/pound (0.24cc/kg). Apply dose on bare skin behind ears.

One application lasts for 30 days, unless it is washed off (detergent shampoo). Concentration: 91 mgs/ml. The dosage for all animals is 10 mg/pound of body weight. Advantage can be used on pregnant cavies and newly weaned young. It is a stable drug with no expiration date. Read more: Advantage

Ivermectin -- for mange mites (hair loss, scratching, pain)
Dosage (oral or subcutaneous) 0.2mg/kg -- (oral, see: Oral Dose Chart )
Dosage (topical) 0.5mg/kg -- (topical, see: Topical Dose Advice)
  Calculate Dose in mg and cc

Ivermectin is the treatment of choice for mange mites. All routes of treatment are effective (oral, topical, subcutaneous). Mange mites are not visible to the naked eye. If suspected, Do not delay treatment! These mites can kill! Read more: Mange Mites

Topical treatment may also kill lice and fur mites. Ivermectin is safe to use on pregnant sows. The young are best treated after they reach 12 ounces (340 g) in weight. Treatment must be repeated at least once, 7 to 10 days later to kill the emerging mites (ivermectin does not kill the eggs). MORE ABOUT: IVERMECTIN

Metronidzole -- (Flagyl) for treatment of protozoal infections like giardia. Read the CDC fact sheet for more information on this widespread intestinal parasite which causes severe diarrhea. A vet can analyze a stool sample to identify giardia and prescribe medication.

Used for its antibiotic properties, metronidazole is effective against anaerobic infections, can penetrate bone, and also the blood-brain barrier to treat central nervous system infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine aid its effectiveness as an anti-diarrheal. For a thorough discussion of Flagyl (both an antiparasitic and antibiotic), please see www.veterinarypartner.com
Dosage, oral 20-60 mg/kg q12h X 5days Give with food.

Selamectin -- (Revolution)   Calculate Dose in mg and cc
A newer treatment for mites and lice requiring a prescription. Apply topically to the skin. Pfizer reportedly advises 10mg/kg for cavies. Selamectin does not have ivermectin's proven safety track record but some cavy owners appreciate the convenience of once a month topical dosing.

NOTE: Tubes come in different concentrations (either 60mg/cc or 120 mg/cc). Individual tubes contain from 15mg to 360 mg selamectin and vary from 0.25cc to 3 cc by volume.
    Example: Mauve tube treats up to 2.5kg of cat and contains 15mg per tube. [Each tube contains 0.25cc at 60mg/ml -- see PICTURE OF PACKAGE]

So if the concentration is 60mg/cc and the dosage is 10mg for a one kilo pig, the dose is 0.167cc. If you use the 120mg/cc tubes (which are twice as concentrated), the dose is smaller: 0.0833cc for a one kilo pig. To dose individual pigs, multiply their weight in kilos times either 0.0833cc (for the 120mg/cc tubes) or 0.167cc (for the 60mg/cc tubes).
    Example: for a pig of 0.5 kilos using a 60mg/ml concentration:
        0.5kg X 0.167cc/kg = 0.0835cc Dosage: 10mg/kg

Guinea Pigs are for Life