mites/lice

Question
Hi Jules I just have a query how can i tell if my piggie has lice or mites apart from the obvious scratching? My piggie is all white so would they be more noticable?  I am not sure what i am looking for? Any advice would be useful.

Answer
Jacqui,

Lice can cause scratching, loss of hair, and scabs, and are usually found round the ears, head, and neck, and rump. They are visible to the naked eye. The sores may be scabby and the skin, thickened, dry and scaly.

Mange mites, these microscopic mites burrow under the skin and cause severe pain. You may notice scratching, biting, hair loss, and in serious cases, seizures. Severe infestations can be life threatening.

Two different mites can occasionally be found on guinea pigs, one harmless and another that bites our guinea pigs and can even bite us:

Chirodiscoides caviae can be described as finding them firmly attached to the base of the hairs, usually located on the hind quarters. By stroking the fur, you may feel the eggs as a bumpiness of the coat. They generally do not cause irritation to the cavy's skin but in some cases may cause some itching. Adults can with difficulty be seen moving in the fur and juveniles may be seen paired with more mature females.

Cheyletiella parasitivorax, rabbit fur mites, live on the karatin layer of the skin. These large, non-burrowing mites can be found on cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals and can bite, but do not live on humans (cause small reddened, itchy spots). About .3 mm long, they are a pale yellow to white mite. Supposedly these mites are difficult to see and get their name from the fact that they look like tiny bits of dandruff crawling in the fur.

I hope that helps,
  Take care,
    Jules