Mite Infestations (Mange)

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A mite similar to the scabies mite of people causes serious

infestations in pet guinea pigs.  Mites are microscopic,

spider-like organisms that live within the outer layers of the

skin.  They usually cause intense scratching and significant hair

loss.  Some cases without scratching have been reported.  Some

guinea pigs are so miserable because of the infestation that

their constant scratching produces serious wounds.  They may run

wildly or in circles and may occasionally even have convulsions.



A veterinarian must do a number of scrapings of the skin to

confirm the diagnosis.  Successful treatment consists of 1-4

injections of a specific drug (ivermectin) 10-14 days apart.  Any

wood shavings within the enclosure should be replaced by white

paper toweling during treatment to help make the patient more

comfortable.



Mites can only be transmitted by direct contact between infested

and uninfested guinea pigs.  Therefore, pet guinea pigs are very

unlikely to harbor these parasites unless they are recent

acquisitions that were previously in contact with mite-infested

guinea pigs.  Established pet guinea pigs could also be infested

by being placed in close contact with new, infested guinea pigs.

Guinea pig mites do not parasitize people.