guinea pig lice

Our guinea pigs have lice, bad.  They've been to the vet twice and were both given a shot of something that also kills mites (I forget the name right now).  It has not worked.  Is there anything else I can do for them.  They have tons of nits.  I've tried nit picking with a human lice comb, but it is not effective.  

[ireneo]

What about their bedding and cages? Have you cleaned those thoroughly? It doesn't take much to have them start up again.

[theitcher]

I've tried the best that I can.  It is frustrating.  I feel sorry for them.  They itch, but fortunately they have not developed any sores or scabs from scratching.  I need to be more attentive to making sure they are cleaned reguarly.  

[ireneo]

Looks like you may have  to visit the vet again, explain how persistent the problem has become. I've had guinea pigs as pets over the years. My last one was a Peruvian. The biggest problem was matting of his fur. Never had lice or even fleas. Do your piglets go outside? Just wondering how they picked up the lice. Hope they get better soon.

[theitcher]

The vet said that they can only get pig lice from other pigs, so they must have come home from the pet store with the lice, which is over a year ago.  They must have had a mild case when they came home and we just didn't notice it right away.  Thank heavens humans can't get pig lice!  I think I'd freak.  My daughter is always loving and cuddling with them.  She'd be devastated if she could not do that.  Thanks for your support.

[ireneo]

One last note: it might be a good idea to mention it to the pet store, that their supplier of guinea pigs has a lice problem. Glad to hear the lice are not  interested in humans. I have to deal with feather mites and lice in the wild birds I work with. A bit disgusting having them crawl all over me but they die off within a couple of hours. I hope your piglets clear up soon. They are a lot of fun.

[MsMiserable]

OMG! I just noticed lice on my 2 pigs.I freaked and was wondering if there are any home remedies to clear them up.Thank God I just read your post and now know that they do not infest humans.I know I'm going to call the pet store in the morning and give them a piece of my mind.I had one of my pigs for more than a month before I got the 2nd.He never scratched before now he's scratching all the time thats how I noticed the problem.I have a real bad case of itchy head now thanks to the little buggers.Please post anything you might know of that might work to clear them up.I'm on a budget and can't really afford the vet.