Biting/Itching, creating a bald spot on back

[ChesterThePig]

Hello, I am new to this website, and am looking for reliable people to help me out with my guinea pig Chester!

Chester has been constantly biting his back and it is creating a bald spot. I am thinking it is mites but am not completely sure. I took him to the vet and she prescribed Cephalexin.. she claims it helps with skin irritations and this specific medicine she is prescribing to me is specifically for guinea pigs only (as in it is not for rabbits, mice, rats, etc). Of course, I did some research on Cephalexin and saw that every single website is calling it a toxic drug and should avoid this drug at all cost. This makes me nervous to give it to Chester. I have not gave him any medicine yet because it is being shipped to my apartment. Does anyone have any advice? Should I still give him the medicine that the vet prescribed? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Has the vet actually diagnosed mites? You don’t sound too confident in your vet’s advice. You say on your post that you suspect mites not that it has been formally diagnosed. Perhaps try another exotic animal vet.
I don’t know anything about this particular medicine you have been given.
If I have understood correctly from your other post on the introductions section, Chester lives alone. Sometimes piggies bite themselves because of boredom/loneliness. Guinea pigs are highly social animals and should always be kept in pairs.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello, I am new to this website, and am looking for reliable people to help me out with my guinea pig Chester!

Chester has been constantly biting his back and it is creating a bald spot. I am thinking it is mites but am not completely sure. I took him to the vet and she prescribed Cephalexin.. she claims it helps with skin irritations and this specific medicine she is prescribing to me is specifically for guinea pigs only (as in it is not for rabbits, mice, rats, etc). Of course, I did some research on Cephalexin and saw that every single website is calling it a toxic drug and should avoid this drug at all cost. This makes me nervous to give it to Chester. I have not gave him any medicine yet because it is being shipped to my apartment. Does anyone have any advice? Should I still give him the medicine that the vet prescribed? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi!

Please see a different vet. The symptoms you are describing point towards mange mites. Any guinea pig skin parasite requires an ivermectin product and not a skin ointment. the vet you have been seeing is obviously not familiar with guinea pigs and their common ailments. Guinea pigs are classed as 'exotics' and do not necessarily feature much on a general vet's curriculum. Please do not use this product.

We can't however (nor are we qualified to!) replace a vet or diagnose just from a vague description without a hands-on examination. All we can do is help you to find the right place and appropriate treatment. Nor do we support treatment on spec, as your piggy will suffer needlessly if you get it wrong.

Please take the time to read this guide here. You will hopefully find it helpful: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Since we have got members and enquiries from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details so we can always tailor any advice to what is relevant and available where you are straight away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to account details and then down to location. This makes it appear with every post you make and saves everybody time. Thank you!

 

[Flutterby]

Where abouts are you based? We we have your general location we could try and help suggest a cavy savvy vet.