open wounds due to scratching - mites

Question
I know my piggie has mites and have taken her to the vet. She is receiving treatment and antibiotic however her scratching is so severe that she has open wounds and cries when she is scratching violently. We took her back to the vet and he said she was looking pretty good and to continue the treatment. I just know she is suffering. How can I treat the open wounds and possible keep her from scratching? I've seen piggies in socks but it doesn't look like a safe idea to me. PLEASE HELP.

Answer
Hi Patti,

Pay a visit to www.gorgeousguineas.com - their fantastic range of aromatherapy and herbal products include several soothing lotions and balms, one of which I'm sure will be suitable for your girl's wounds. They also have an extensive range of shampoos; so get yourself a trail size bottle of Lice and Easy and use it to prevent any future outbreaks of mites getting to this stage.

I don't think socks are a very good idea either. I suppose it would be possible to get a collar fitted - the kind dogs and cats are given when they have stitches - but this just prevents biting and licking, not scratching. You could try swaddling your piggy (there are instructions all over the internet for how to do this) but just when she's out of her cage for cuddles, not all the time.

Try to keep her happy, and she'll heal quicker. Make sure her cage is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected (with an animal-safe product) to remove any mites living in it, and that any other guinea pigs living with her are bathed or treated for mites too. Feed her her favourite foods, and give her some fresh parsley to eat.

I hope she feels better soon and if you have any other questions - just ask!

Jenny.