seziures

Question
my guinea pig ( bullet) recently started having seizures. he has been losing hair and scratching allot pretty much every time he scratches he get a seizure. the vet say it may be a brain infection or brain tumor. i really suspect  mites .is there a way to find out exactly if he has mites?

Answer
Hi Vanessa,

    First know that I sympathize with you because I know how terrible it can feel to watch your piggie be in pain.

    Secondly, you are very right to think that mites may be the cause because severe cases of mange mites can indeed cause siezures.  These life-threatening cases can be successfully treated with ivermectin.  This detailed and very helpful website may be able to give you more details, as well as information on how to correctly diagnose a case of mange mites:

http://guinealynx.com/mites.html

    As the site indicates, your vet should administer ivermectin in doses according to your pet's weight.  If you feel that the vet you are now seeing is not experienced enough in the area of guinea pigs, I highly suggest you find another one.  Guinea pig-knowledgeable vets can be very hard to find.

    Thank you for your question, I hope I have been of some help to you.  If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  Good luck with your guinea pig (= and let me know how things turn out.

                                              - Nicole