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Just today, Hammy was running laps.
A clear sign that the HappyCavies are feeling a lot better!
My, my! It has been a crazy two days!
The HappyCavies have had their first ever vet visit on Sunday, April 4 to treat fur mites.
Human #1 was so nervous, probably even more nervous than Hammy! This was the first time the HappyCavies needed to visit a vet. Caring for guinea pigs certainly comes with its new experience, and this was certainly a new experience for Human and cavy alike!
Use the Guinea Pig Zone Vet Directory to find local guinea pig experts in your area.
Because fur mites are a rather common health issue with guinea pigs, our Humans decided to visit a general practice veterinarian just 20 minutes from the HappyCavy Forever Home. South Gate Animal Clinic in Milwaukie, Oregon is a great vet practice. Though they are the most skilled to deal with complicated guinea pig health issues, they are well equipped to handle minor issues like mites. Plus, the small pet doctor at South Gate is also the owner. We thought that was pretty neat!
The facilities at South Gate were really clean and the staff was super-friendly.
The vet experience was excellent! Dr. Ilona Edens met with the HappyCavy Family and she was able to give us all the advice we needed to make sure the mite recovery was a smooth, pain-free process.
Strangely enough, Dr. Edens tested for mites but could not find any. Sometimes it can be rather difficult to find these little critters with a quick microscope check. But the mite symptoms were just too apparent to do nothing. Being the Good Doctor she is, Dr. Edens gave each of us a dose of Ivermectin mite treatment.
Ivermectin is the drug of choice for treatment of the selnick mite in guinea pigs. Transmission of mites occurs primarily through direct contact with infested animals although eggs can be carried to them inadvertently. [source]
Fortunately, the Ivermectin seems to be working quite well, and we’re hopeful that we’re able to beat the mites very soon.
