Saturday, May 22, 2010

Guinea Pigs: can they get worms?

I have to clean him and help him release his stool when it becomes packed and that's how I noticed this 2" long white "worm", similar to ringworms in cats. My Pig is very old, almost 9 and in failing health despite still having a healthy appetite. My cats aren't in direct contact with my Pig. Could he have caught something in the wood shavings in his cage?
Answers:
Boars can produce sperm which looks a lot like a 'white wormy thing'. When I first saw this come from my boar I was sure it was worms - but it wasn't. I don't think it is common for them to get worms either.

I think he'll be okay but if you are worried I would reccomend a vet visit.

Wow - well done - 9 that is amazing! Mine haven't lived passed 6 years yet. : (

There is a drug called 'Ivomec' (used on cows and horses normally) which is used to worm guinea pigs - this also gets rid of any mites. Give him Ivomec because this will not hurt to give him, even if he doesn't have worms.
Just like dogs and cats, guinea pigs can also become infected with worms. If left untreated they may hinder the guinea pig鈥檚 growth and development while posing a risk of infection to other pets and humans. Gastrointestinal worms can easily be treated with liquid medications developed for small animals. As a precaution they should administered every three months.

If your guinea pig looks unwell it should be taken to your vet.
Ringworm doesn't look like this!

Ringworm is in fact a fungus, not a worm at all. It appears like a red circle or 'ring' on the skin. A long, white worm would probably be a type of roundworm.

Yes, guinea pigs can get worms. Most things can. It is rare though (I just asked a vet and he's never seen a piggie with worms in 35 years in veterinary) - so go to your vet from some proper treatment.

Chalice
I think that you should take your Guinea Pig to the Vet to get it checked.
Wow! You must have taken *really* good care of your piggie for him to live so long. I'll bet he's been a great piggie friend.

Ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungus that causes hairloss %26 red, inflamed skin. It itches terribly.

I, personally, have never heard of worms in guinea pigs, although it would seem logical that they *could* get them. I would take your beloved buddy to the vet for a check up, especially since he is in advanced age.

Your piggie can't catch worms from his wood shavings since the worms need a host on which to live. Wood shavings would not be considered a viable host.

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