[Gpdd] Re [Health] mites on guinea Pigs

[warmbreath at comcast.net]

no parasites or bugs are needed for your piggies survival, who ever said
that might be a troll.  Carefresh comes in a cheaper generic I like very
much called Superior Odor Control Pet bedding I buy at Kroger's, lots
cheaper, works well except as I have no sense of smell I cant tell about the
odor control part.  Revolution works well against mites and the second dose
can be given at home.
I would definitely contact the Aspen people about an explanation and a
refund, I think Aspen is supposed to be heat treated so I'm at a loss how it
could be infested. also I cant recall having seen mites or nits on piggies
that are visible. Sounds almost like lice although I hate to indicate your
vet could be wrong.

You also might check that the proper dose of Ivermectin was given and that
the follow up treatments were given at the proper time, 2 more, 7 to 12
apart.  The archives have an article from Ann Evans with the proper dose,
although if the infestation was from an external source this isn't very
helpful.  Also an infestation could come from cats or dogs or other animals
especially if you let your piggies outside.

As I say an Aspen infestation sure sounds strange, everyone here should
check theirs. Does the packaging yours came in have a date code or place of
manufacture, does the packaging have holes for ventilation (doubtful as I
think its kiln dried. That's why it sounds so weird."

Do check for any way your bedding could have been contaminated another way
to be sure. Also, only 1 of the 5 species of mites that infest buns and pigs
can live in the environment without the host piggy handy, so if the bedding
had living creatures in it so could the area, carpets cages etc.. So it
would be best to clean everything, vacuum and through away the bag,  dilute
bleach scrub on all cages and hard materials. Clean everything in the room.
Sorry its a huge bother. if they persist remove the piggies and their stuff
from the room and spray with a fogger, aerate for 4 hours before anyone
comes back in. Make double sure any products you use on the piggies
including flea shampoo do not have the long term egg inhibitor formula.
Best luck., Sandy

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