Guinea Lynx A Medical and Care Guide for Guinea Pigs

ANTIPARASITICS

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Antiparasitic Treatments

Mite, Lice and Giardia Treatments


Fenbendazole -- (Panacur) for treatment of giardia. Read the CDC fact sheet for more information on this widespread intestinal parasite which causes severe diarrhea. A vet can analyze a stool sample to identify giardia and prescribe medication.

  • Dose, oral 50 mg/kg X 5days.

Imidacloprid -- (Advantage) for lice only [it does NOT kill mange mites] is no longer available as a stand-alone drug.
Advantage Multi (imidacloprid + moxidectin) will treat both mites and lice. Refer to Bayer's website for dosing information on cats. Note that the smallest pre-measured dose (for kittens of 2-5 pounds) can not be given to animals that are ill or under two pounds of weight.

One application lasts for 30 days, unless it is washed off (detergent shampoo).

Do Not Use Advantage II. Advantage II also contains an insect growth regulator (pyriproxyfen) which should not be used on guinea pigs.


Ivermectin -- for mange mites (hair loss, scratching, pain)
Dosage (oral or subcutaneous) 0.2mg/kg -- (oral, see: Oral Dose Chart )
Dosage (topical) 0.5mg/kg -- (topical, see: Topical Dose Advice)

Ivermectin is the treatment of choice for mange mites. All routes of treatment are effective (oral, topical, subcutaneous). Mange mites are not visible to the naked eye. If suspected, Do not delay treatment! These mites can kill! Read more: Mange Mites

Topical treatment may also kill lice and fur mites. Ivermectin is safe to use on pregnant sows. The young are best treated after they reach 12 ounces (340 g) in weight. Treatment must be repeated at least once, 7 to 10 days later to kill the emerging mites (ivermectin does not kill the eggs).


Metronidzole -- (Flagyl) for treatment of protozoal infections like giardia. Read the CDC fact sheet for more information on this widespread intestinal parasite which causes severe diarrhea. A vet can analyze a stool sample to identify giardia and prescribe medication.

Used for its antibiotic properties, metronidazole is effective against anaerobic infections, can penetrate bone, and also the blood-brain barrier to treat central nervous system infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine aid its effectiveness as an anti-diarrheal. For a thorough discussion of Flagyl (both an antiparasitic and antibiotic), please see www.veterinarypartner.com
Dosage, oral 20-60 mg/kg q12h X 5days Give with food.


Selamectin -- (Revolution, Stronghold)

A newer treatment for mites and lice requiring a prescription. Apply topically to the skin. Pfizer reportedly advises 10mg/kg for guinea pigs. Selamectin does not have ivermectin's proven safety track record but some guinea pig owners appreciate the convenience of once a month topical dosing.

NOTE: Tubes come in different concentrations (either 60mg/cc or 120 mg/cc). Individual tubes contain from 15mg to 360 mg selamectin and vary from 0.25cc to 3 cc by volume.

  • Example: Mauve tube treats up to 2.5kg of cat and contains 15mg per tube. [Each tube contains 0.25cc at 60mg/ml -- see PICTURE OF PACKAGE] Go Up

So if the concentration is 60mg/cc and the dosage is 10mg for a one kilo pig, the dose is 0.167cc. If you use the 120mg/cc tubes (which are twice as concentrated), the dose is smaller: 0.0833cc for a one kilo pig. To dose individual pigs, multiply their weight in kilos times either 0.0833cc (for the 120mg/cc tubes) or 0.167cc (for the 60mg/cc tubes).

  • Example: for a pig of 0.5 kilos using a 60mg/ml concentration:
            0.5kg X 0.167cc/kg = 0.0835cc Go Up
  • Dosage: 10mg/kg

See also: Efficacy and Safety of Selamectin (Stronghold[R]/Revolution[TM]) Used Off-Label in Exotic Pets - the authors cite recommendations by Beck of "15 mg selamectin for animals weighing less than 800 g body weight and 30 mg for animals heavier than 800 g body weight applied as a spot-on to the skin of the neck." While this would work out to 18.75mg/kg for an 800 gm pig and 37.5 mg/kg for an 801 gm pig (a very large dose), 10 mg/kg is adequate for treatment. We recommend a dose calculated accurately by weight. This information is presented to suggest a margin of safety, not to suggest using high doses. Go Up

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