Fighting or mites?

Question
I have two male piggies about 7-8 months old.  I purchased them from a pet store and they have gotten a long relatively well over the last months.  ONe is clearly larger than that other and dominant and the other is smaller and very timid (but still is cuddler).  They have had their share of fights but they had mostly settled down until a little while ago.  Now they seem to be fighting more (the bigger one has had tufs of fur in his mouth on occassion) but then they go back to cuddling.  I have recently noticed some small .5 - 1 cm on his back about the middle on the sides.  He has been shedding more lately as well. Is there any way I can figure out if he has mites or if they are battle wounds?  The don't fight often make a tussles once a day or so, but the little one usually gets scared and backs down quickly.  I have separated them now but really would like to have them back in the same cage.  

Answer
Hi Heather,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I have had increasingly problematic internet issues as well as having a very busy home life (newborn twins), so have had difficulties answering many questions over the past 2 weeks. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

I would put them together again, as if one has mites the other probably has too, and they will each have been exposed to them by now.

Mites are microscopic so you won't be able to see them, but the symptoms are:

Hair loss
Sores/scabs
Flaky skin
Redness
Irritation (scratching/itching - e.g. more than 10 seconds a time and more than a few times per hour)

If you are unsure, look at the Guinea Lynx page on mites and decide if you want to seek treatment:

http://guinealynx.info/mites.html

If you require further help, let me know and I will be glad to assist.

Best Wishes,

- Laura
www.cavy-care.com