injections :-(
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mkkayla
- Supporter in '14
The injections just hurt for a minute or so then it's over. Mites, on the other hand, hurt all the time so it is best to treat him. Many people treat them at home, I do. You can find information in the Guinea Lynx Medical and Care guide by clicking on it abouve, then look for information on mites.
Ask a few questions about the injections, such as what they are, and have the vet write down the dosage for you, and your pigs weight.
Ivermectin is a very safe and common injection and the most recommended treatment for mites, however topical applications can also work. You can do that at home. Perhaps it would be worth it to explore that with the vet, have him show you how to apply it, and then follow up with two at home treatments.
Selamectin (Revolution) is another product that has a pretty good rep for mite treatment. It also treats lice and fleas, usually one treatment is all that is needed. Again, a topical application. Many rescues and vets use it.
Try reading up on and printing off information here:
https://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html
https://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html
https://www.guinealynx.info/antiparasitics.html
Ivermectin is a very safe and common injection and the most recommended treatment for mites, however topical applications can also work. You can do that at home. Perhaps it would be worth it to explore that with the vet, have him show you how to apply it, and then follow up with two at home treatments.
Selamectin (Revolution) is another product that has a pretty good rep for mite treatment. It also treats lice and fleas, usually one treatment is all that is needed. Again, a topical application. Many rescues and vets use it.
Try reading up on and printing off information here:
https://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html
https://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html
https://www.guinealynx.info/antiparasitics.html
Mites can lay dormant, and do on most pigs. Stress is usually the biggest factor to bring them out. If you bought the pig at a petshop, then it is a no brainer, most petshop pigs are infested.
The injections will hurt less than what the mites are currently doing to him. Currently he has hundreds, if not thousands of creatures burrowing in his skin.
My latest foster girl needed two ivermectin shots for lice. For such a little thing, she screamed like a banshee during the first one. I could her all the way down the vet’s hallway. She didn’t make a sound for the second one. Even the vet technician complimented on her being a good girl
If you are worried about the shots, you could see if your vet can use Revolution (kitten) for mites. The vet used this on my two girls. They still ‘squawked’ during the process –carried on like hot wax was being dripped on their bodies - but at least there was no needle touching their skin.
My latest foster girl needed two ivermectin shots for lice. For such a little thing, she screamed like a banshee during the first one. I could her all the way down the vet’s hallway. She didn’t make a sound for the second one. Even the vet technician complimented on her being a good girl
If you are worried about the shots, you could see if your vet can use Revolution (kitten) for mites. The vet used this on my two girls. They still ‘squawked’ during the process –carried on like hot wax was being dripped on their bodies - but at least there was no needle touching their skin.
I don't think it will make his life shorter. Most guinea pigs that are in rescues will have been bought in a pet shop before they ended up in the rescue.
It is good that you are treating your guinea pig for mites. It is fairly easy to treat, and it shouldn't impact his health after he is successfully treated. Your guinea pig will probably squeek quite a bit while the vet puts the needle in (mine did!), but it only hurts for a few seconds.
Do you only have one guinea pig? They are much happier with a guinea pig friend. Perhaps you could adopt another guinea pig from a rescue. You would have to make sure you're cage is big enough though, at least 2 by 4 foot.
By the way, I see you are in the UK. Most people her are in the US. I think the medication for mites has a different name in the UK, so your vet might prescribe something that isn't mentioned on this forum. It could still be the same stuff.
It is good that you are treating your guinea pig for mites. It is fairly easy to treat, and it shouldn't impact his health after he is successfully treated. Your guinea pig will probably squeek quite a bit while the vet puts the needle in (mine did!), but it only hurts for a few seconds.
Do you only have one guinea pig? They are much happier with a guinea pig friend. Perhaps you could adopt another guinea pig from a rescue. You would have to make sure you're cage is big enough though, at least 2 by 4 foot.
By the way, I see you are in the UK. Most people her are in the US. I think the medication for mites has a different name in the UK, so your vet might prescribe something that isn't mentioned on this forum. It could still be the same stuff.
I don't think it will have an effect on lifespan, as long as you get the mites taken care of, and the pig has no other illnessess, the vet sounds somewhat cavy savvy, so this is good.
I second rescuing a piggy friend, but only after the mite treatments are finished. Or, get another, and treat both, keeping in quarintine (separate part of the house) for 3 weeks. Knowing you have mites though, you would want to be really really careful, probably full changes and handwashing between handling them. As for cage space, you need at least 7.5 square feet for one, or for two, so it does not impact the amount of room they will take up. They are social animals and really do best with a friend. having more space is better though.
Visit www.cavycages.com for more info on cage sizes and instructions on how to build one cheep.
The brand name may be different, but the actual medical ingredient is the same. The injections are likely Ivermectin, or you could try a topical treatment with Selamectin. (The selamectin would be a one shot deal, no need for repeated appointments).
I second rescuing a piggy friend, but only after the mite treatments are finished. Or, get another, and treat both, keeping in quarintine (separate part of the house) for 3 weeks. Knowing you have mites though, you would want to be really really careful, probably full changes and handwashing between handling them. As for cage space, you need at least 7.5 square feet for one, or for two, so it does not impact the amount of room they will take up. They are social animals and really do best with a friend. having more space is better though.
Visit www.cavycages.com for more info on cage sizes and instructions on how to build one cheep.
I think the medication for mites has a different name in the UK
The brand name may be different, but the actual medical ingredient is the same. The injections are likely Ivermectin, or you could try a topical treatment with Selamectin. (The selamectin would be a one shot deal, no need for repeated appointments).
C&C cages are usually built by the new piggy owner, as they are not sold in any stores. It is easy to do, Cavycage.com will show you how.
Alternatively, you can buy one from a lady that makes them at Cavy Cages, some of the money goes to support a rescue, but I think with shipping to the UK, it might be a bit expensive. Many people have ripped off the idea and sell them on ebay. Usually they charge really over inflated prices.
Alternatively, you can buy one from a lady that makes them at Cavy Cages, some of the money goes to support a rescue, but I think with shipping to the UK, it might be a bit expensive. Many people have ripped off the idea and sell them on ebay. Usually they charge really over inflated prices.
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RavenShade
- Thanks for the Memories
Not getting mites treated can cause serious, serious problems for a pig, including open sores and seizures. They will forget and forgive you.
The C and C cage is short for Cubes and Corroplast, which is what the cage is made out of.
See www.cavycages.com for more information.
Also, at the top of this forum is a sticky for UK members.
The C and C cage is short for Cubes and Corroplast, which is what the cage is made out of.
See www.cavycages.com for more information.
Also, at the top of this forum is a sticky for UK members.
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