[Gpdd] [CARE] Mites

[Cheryl Cline]

It was really distressing to read about the vet who recommended bleach and
tea tree oil for the poor piggy with mites.  I think tea tree oil may be
toxic in large quantities.   :(

I hate to be redundant as I have posted this info before, but when my
Peruvian piggy Alex had mites, I followed Peter Gurney's advice and used a
human dandruff shampoo on him (Head & Shoulders with selenium sulfide).  You
can read his advice
here<http://www.smellyhippy.com/Peter_gurney/m.html#_MITES>.
Gurney pointed out that most shampoos are tested on guinea pigs anyway, so
they are perfectly safe...I wasn't exactly sure if Alex's problem was from
mites or fungus, so I also used neem oil (Ark Naturals Neem Protect Spray,
which I found in the pet section at a local Whole Foods Market but which you
can also get online at
drugstore.com<http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=71089&catid=89562&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=89562&trxp2=71089&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH>)
and plain corn cooking oil on him.  Here is a rough outline of the steps:

1)  Massage affected areas with vegetable oil (I used a few drops of tea
tree oil in about an eighth cup of plain Wesson corn oil).  Avoid open
lesions.
2)  Leave on for one day (I'm afraid your guinea pig will be very unhappy!)
3)  Bathe with anti-dandruff shampoo and towel-dry.  I also use a hairdryer
on lowest setting at a distance of about 1 foot to dry Alex faster.  (I stop
using the hairdryer before he is completely dry).
4)  Wait until the piggy is dry, then spray with the Ark Naturals spray,
which contains neem oil.  Gurney recommended using neem oil in the first
step, but I just could not track the stuff down.  The Ark Naturals spray is
water-soluble so you have to wait until the fur is dry from the bath before
using.  I don't think my guinea pig enjoys the smell of the spray, nor the
sensation of being sprayed, so I usually spray my palm and work it into his
skin.

This cured Alex's problems within a week or so.  I still use the dandruff
shampoo and Ark Naturals spray on him as a preventative.

To Sasha:  I really hope your friend takes their pig to an emergency vet who
will be more competent than the last one!  :(

I hope this info helps...

Best,
Cheryl, slave to Alex & J.B.