Post by Dawn - Admin on Aug 26, 2007 22:18:06 GMT
To Worm, Or Not To Worm, That Is The Question
Thoughts on worming guineas seem to fall into one of three categories:
1. I’ve never heard of guinea pigs having worms.
2. I’ve never wormed my guinea pigs and not experienced any problems.
3. Guineas eat the same as farm animals, are exposed to the same risk of parasites, and therefore need regular worming every 3 months.
Here at Gorgeous Guineas we like to use natural products on our guineas wherever possible, but always after a proper Veterinary diagnosis, and in conjunction with any prescription drugs recommended by our guinea-friendly Vet.
Worms can cause problems that range from being undetectable to severe diarrhoea, weight loss and even death if not treated. So, what is the answer? If you don’t like the idea of worming your guinea with "chemicals" every 3 months, we have found two natural wormers that have been tried and tested. The results are below for your consideration.
1) Verm-X Nuggets for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters - reviewed by Karen at Reading Guinea Pig Rescue
What the manufacturer says: “Verm-X Nuggets for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters have been carefully formulated and produced to give domestically kept lagomorphs and rodents not only the highly palatable Verm-X internal parasite control formulation, but also an overall high fibre healthy treat. The nuggets include in their alfalfa, wheat and molasses base a Pre-biotic (Biomos: dead yeast of Saccharomyces cerevisisae) and a Pro-biotic (Toyocerin) encouraging a healthy digestive system. Made in a non-GM specialist production facility the nugget is designed to be gnawed with the additional benefit of aiding healthy and strong teeth.“
When giving something with a desired outcome, it is important that a measured amount is taken. It helps if it is easy to give, particularly, as with Verm-X, if it needs to be given daily. The People of Planet Guinea were put to the test, each dry food dish had the appropriate number of pellets in (more dishes needed to be added in two of the pens because the pellets are so big but that wasn't a problem). The initial reaction from most guineas was to go and investigate what had been put into their dish. 3 out of 5 in one pen turned away after an initial sniff. One boar showed particular interest in the pellet and managed to gnaw it so it was pointed - like a pencil. Others seemed to give up after scraping their teeth along it, as if it was too much like hard work.
The pellets are the size of pony nuts so maybe that’s no wonder? 24 hours later and most pellets had been turfed out of their dish, maybe in an attempt to get at the Cavy Cuisine underneath or another attempt to eat the pellet. That method certainly didn't work, left to their own devices these guineas were not going to eat a pellet each.
Perhaps this would work better if the amount was fed to the guinea individually, that way the amount consumed would be correct - 1 pellet per pig per day. When offered to individual guineas, the pellet was met with the same enthusiasm as when it was put in the dishes. One sow did enjoy nibbling on the end of a pellet but she (and no one else) got anywhere close to finishing a whole one. If this method works it might be good for those with two guineas and a lot of time, but for anyone with any more, there must be easier options.
Marks Out Of 10:
Taste: 10/10 - those that eat it seemed to enjoy it.
Healthy: 4/10 - difficult one, it contains alfalfa so no good for pigs with sludgy bladders, contains molasses so no good for the gut either, high in fibre.
Format: 0/10 - guinea pigs have smaller jaws than horses, they need smaller pellets.
Packaging: 10/10 - resealable, I liked that.
Cloud enjoyed chewing the end of one, but a whole pellet was too much / difficult to eat.
Available from SPH Supplies. If you purchase anything from SPH, please mention Reading Guinea Pig Rescue and they will receive a small donation to help keep the rescue guineas fed with Cavy Cuisine:)
2) Four Seasons Anti-Parasitic - reviewed by Chrissie at Gorgeous Guineas
What the manufacturer says: “Four Seasons natural parasite control acts throughout the year. Simply administer using the pipette supplied, either directly or by mixing with food. Four Seasons may be used for puppies/kittens and pregnant females. Four Seasons is made from only natural ingredients, known and used for many hundreds of years by herbalists, combining herbal and homeopathic ingredients. As such it operates in two ways:
- Firstly the homeopathic ingredients support the digestive organs allowing the natural expulsion of parasites to occur through the animals own natural defence system.
- Secondly the astringent effects of the herbal ingredients act directly on parasites, creating a hostile environment for them. Tests show the effect is long term and gentle, the opportunities to re-establish infestation reduced leading to naturally lower egg and worm counts. Four Seasons will not adversely affect the protective natural gut flora. “
Here at Gorgeous Guineas we have been using Four Seasons for several months, and it has saved the life of one guinea that had very poorly tummy with diarrhoea and unexplained weight loss. The day after Possum was given a dose of Four Seasons, he put on one ounce, the same the following day, and the day after that. Possum made a full recovery and went from 2lbs 8oz back up to his “normal” weight of 3lbs. It has also helped several other guineas that we know of that were not regularly wormed and had unexplained weight loss. Four Seasons is quick and easy to administer. The dose is 0.5ml per pig once a month by mouth - what could be easier?
Marks Out Of 10:
Taste: 10/10 – no funny faces were pulled.
Healthy: 10/10 – no side effects and none of the ingredients would cause problems.
Format: 10/10 – easy to use, quick and and economical if you have a lot of guineas. A dose of 0.5ml is given to each guinea once a month, what could be simpler?
Packaging 9/10 – our only minor issue..... the pipette supplied is made of GLASS.
DO NOT USE THE GLASS PIPETTE IN THE FOUR SEASONS BOTTLE TO DOSE YOUR GUINEA.
NEVER PUT ANYTHING MADE OF GLASS INTO OR NEAR YOUR GUINEA’s MOUTH.
Please use a 1ml PLASTIC syringe to give the correct dose of 0.5ml to each piggy once a month.
Available from Holistic Pet Supplies who supply a wide range of complementary remedies for pets.
There are also plenty of "chemical" worming products available on the Internet. We don’t recommend that you buy these as there are so many available - different products at variable strengths and for different animals. How do you know if your guinea is getting the correct dose of the correct drug at the correct strength? The safest route is to go to your Vet who can prescribe a safe dose of the correct drugs(s).
IMPORTANT NOTE: if your guinea has Mange Mites, it MUST be treated with Ivomec / Ivermectin. The natural products described above will NOT work against Mange Mites. Ivomec / Ivermectin is used to control Mites and Roundworms, so please consult your Vet for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. We don’t recommend that you use any of the “Spot-On” type products from pet shops. Why? Because they either contain too little Ivermectin to be of use, or other ingredients that really aren't suitable for guineas.
This article is for information only and is no substitute for proper Veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Thoughts on worming guineas seem to fall into one of three categories:
1. I’ve never heard of guinea pigs having worms.
2. I’ve never wormed my guinea pigs and not experienced any problems.
3. Guineas eat the same as farm animals, are exposed to the same risk of parasites, and therefore need regular worming every 3 months.
Here at Gorgeous Guineas we like to use natural products on our guineas wherever possible, but always after a proper Veterinary diagnosis, and in conjunction with any prescription drugs recommended by our guinea-friendly Vet.
Worms can cause problems that range from being undetectable to severe diarrhoea, weight loss and even death if not treated. So, what is the answer? If you don’t like the idea of worming your guinea with "chemicals" every 3 months, we have found two natural wormers that have been tried and tested. The results are below for your consideration.
1) Verm-X Nuggets for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters - reviewed by Karen at Reading Guinea Pig Rescue
What the manufacturer says: “Verm-X Nuggets for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Hamsters have been carefully formulated and produced to give domestically kept lagomorphs and rodents not only the highly palatable Verm-X internal parasite control formulation, but also an overall high fibre healthy treat. The nuggets include in their alfalfa, wheat and molasses base a Pre-biotic (Biomos: dead yeast of Saccharomyces cerevisisae) and a Pro-biotic (Toyocerin) encouraging a healthy digestive system. Made in a non-GM specialist production facility the nugget is designed to be gnawed with the additional benefit of aiding healthy and strong teeth.“
When giving something with a desired outcome, it is important that a measured amount is taken. It helps if it is easy to give, particularly, as with Verm-X, if it needs to be given daily. The People of Planet Guinea were put to the test, each dry food dish had the appropriate number of pellets in (more dishes needed to be added in two of the pens because the pellets are so big but that wasn't a problem). The initial reaction from most guineas was to go and investigate what had been put into their dish. 3 out of 5 in one pen turned away after an initial sniff. One boar showed particular interest in the pellet and managed to gnaw it so it was pointed - like a pencil. Others seemed to give up after scraping their teeth along it, as if it was too much like hard work.
The pellets are the size of pony nuts so maybe that’s no wonder? 24 hours later and most pellets had been turfed out of their dish, maybe in an attempt to get at the Cavy Cuisine underneath or another attempt to eat the pellet. That method certainly didn't work, left to their own devices these guineas were not going to eat a pellet each.
Perhaps this would work better if the amount was fed to the guinea individually, that way the amount consumed would be correct - 1 pellet per pig per day. When offered to individual guineas, the pellet was met with the same enthusiasm as when it was put in the dishes. One sow did enjoy nibbling on the end of a pellet but she (and no one else) got anywhere close to finishing a whole one. If this method works it might be good for those with two guineas and a lot of time, but for anyone with any more, there must be easier options.
Marks Out Of 10:
Taste: 10/10 - those that eat it seemed to enjoy it.
Healthy: 4/10 - difficult one, it contains alfalfa so no good for pigs with sludgy bladders, contains molasses so no good for the gut either, high in fibre.
Format: 0/10 - guinea pigs have smaller jaws than horses, they need smaller pellets.
Packaging: 10/10 - resealable, I liked that.
Cloud enjoyed chewing the end of one, but a whole pellet was too much / difficult to eat.
Available from SPH Supplies. If you purchase anything from SPH, please mention Reading Guinea Pig Rescue and they will receive a small donation to help keep the rescue guineas fed with Cavy Cuisine:)
2) Four Seasons Anti-Parasitic - reviewed by Chrissie at Gorgeous Guineas
What the manufacturer says: “Four Seasons natural parasite control acts throughout the year. Simply administer using the pipette supplied, either directly or by mixing with food. Four Seasons may be used for puppies/kittens and pregnant females. Four Seasons is made from only natural ingredients, known and used for many hundreds of years by herbalists, combining herbal and homeopathic ingredients. As such it operates in two ways:
- Firstly the homeopathic ingredients support the digestive organs allowing the natural expulsion of parasites to occur through the animals own natural defence system.
- Secondly the astringent effects of the herbal ingredients act directly on parasites, creating a hostile environment for them. Tests show the effect is long term and gentle, the opportunities to re-establish infestation reduced leading to naturally lower egg and worm counts. Four Seasons will not adversely affect the protective natural gut flora. “
Here at Gorgeous Guineas we have been using Four Seasons for several months, and it has saved the life of one guinea that had very poorly tummy with diarrhoea and unexplained weight loss. The day after Possum was given a dose of Four Seasons, he put on one ounce, the same the following day, and the day after that. Possum made a full recovery and went from 2lbs 8oz back up to his “normal” weight of 3lbs. It has also helped several other guineas that we know of that were not regularly wormed and had unexplained weight loss. Four Seasons is quick and easy to administer. The dose is 0.5ml per pig once a month by mouth - what could be easier?
Marks Out Of 10:
Taste: 10/10 – no funny faces were pulled.
Healthy: 10/10 – no side effects and none of the ingredients would cause problems.
Format: 10/10 – easy to use, quick and and economical if you have a lot of guineas. A dose of 0.5ml is given to each guinea once a month, what could be simpler?
Packaging 9/10 – our only minor issue..... the pipette supplied is made of GLASS.
DO NOT USE THE GLASS PIPETTE IN THE FOUR SEASONS BOTTLE TO DOSE YOUR GUINEA.
NEVER PUT ANYTHING MADE OF GLASS INTO OR NEAR YOUR GUINEA’s MOUTH.
Please use a 1ml PLASTIC syringe to give the correct dose of 0.5ml to each piggy once a month.
Available from Holistic Pet Supplies who supply a wide range of complementary remedies for pets.
There are also plenty of "chemical" worming products available on the Internet. We don’t recommend that you buy these as there are so many available - different products at variable strengths and for different animals. How do you know if your guinea is getting the correct dose of the correct drug at the correct strength? The safest route is to go to your Vet who can prescribe a safe dose of the correct drugs(s).
IMPORTANT NOTE: if your guinea has Mange Mites, it MUST be treated with Ivomec / Ivermectin. The natural products described above will NOT work against Mange Mites. Ivomec / Ivermectin is used to control Mites and Roundworms, so please consult your Vet for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. We don’t recommend that you use any of the “Spot-On” type products from pet shops. Why? Because they either contain too little Ivermectin to be of use, or other ingredients that really aren't suitable for guineas.
This article is for information only and is no substitute for proper Veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
