Ectoparasites in Guinea Pigs
Pocket Pet · Cavia porcellus · typical adult weight 0.70–1.20 kg
3 cited drugs treat Ectoparasites in guinea pigs: Doramectin, Ivermectin, Nitenpyram.
External parasites including fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Isoxazolines, macrocyclic lactones, and pyrethroids each carry species-specific cautions (e.g. permethrin lethal in cats).
The overview above describes Ectoparasites across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to guinea pigs — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Doramectin(Dectomax)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg | q7-14d | Ectoparasites / endoparasites | Weak | Beck W, Pantchev N. Praktische Parasitologie bei Heimtieren, Schluetersche Verlagsgesellschaft MBH & Co, Hannover, Germany; 2006. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.776 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Ivermectin(Ivomec, Heartgard)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg | q7-14d | 3-4 treatments | Ectoparasites | Moderate | Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.777 (2026-08-01). |
| SC | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg | q7-14d | 3-4 treatments | Mange mites (Trixacarus caviae) | Strong | Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015.; Eshar D, Bdolah-Abram T. Comparison of efficacy, safety, and convenience of selamectin versus ivermectin for treatment of Trixacarus caviae mange in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;241:1056-1058. doi:10.2460/javma.241.8.1056 — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.777 (2026-08-01). |
| TOPICAL | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg | q7d | 3-4 treatments | Ectoparasites (alternative to injection) | Moderate | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed |
Nitenpyram(Capstar)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 1 mg/kg | once | Fleas, flystrike | Moderate | Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.778 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Other conditions in Guinea Pigs
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.