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Dandruff?

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Jenwah

Jenwah

Junior Guinea Pig
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hi

Wonder if someone can help. I've tried google but they suggest it's mites. But the signs of notes are not the same with Agnes. She isn't iching or scratching herself, no bald patches etc. I have just noticed a few times when I've been stroking her, I have brown dots everywhere. I've managed to take a photo in good light with what I mean. She is also quite matted underneath as she is quite long hair and she smells a bit underneath - I've tried to give her some baths but nothing really helping. I must change her sawdust every day because I am worried it will keep matting otherwise.

Can anyone suggest anything please?
 
Hello. Welcome to the forum. I think it is best to keep her hair short to prevent matting. Sawdust is not a very good bedding to use. Have you thought of vet bed? I use this with towels and it keeps dry so is perfect for guinea pigs. If you feel she smells then she may have a urine infection so a vet check up is wise. This link will tell you were your nearest guinea pig vet is,
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-vet-locator/

The brown dots sound like hay mites. These are very annoying! Have you checked her hay? To get rid of hay mites she will need bathing. I will ask @helen105281 to advise you.
 
Thanks Piggyfan for the reply! You mention vet bed? Can I ask what is this? I feel so rubbish - I've had them on sawdust ever since I had them, as Pets at home said it was the best! Can I get this vet bed online?

I will get her to a vet, I think as you've mentioned a urine infection. I did notice on the vet page you linked, there's a vet on there which is near me, whom I will never be returning to ever as he liked to throw my pig around!

Her hay seems fine - but I just am so unsure with mites, as I have another guinea pig, she is completely unaffected, none of these dots in her fur. :(
 
Please do not feel rubbish. You were not to know pet shops do not have knowledge about animals. Vet bed looks like a carpet but is made so urine goes straight through it. I buy mine from dogsproductsdirect and it sounds expensive but it will last you two years. You will need two sets. I put towels down then vet bed. I buy mine from that company and think the prices are good.

Oh gosh, how awful for a vet to be so rough. Maybe you need to alert a moderator to that so people are warned about the vet.

If the hay is from pets at home it will not be of a good quality.
 
I agree she needs a diagnosis from a vet. Do let a moderator know though if you have had a bad experience at one of the recommended vets.

I second the Vetbed recommendation especially if she does have a urine infection as it will keep her dry.

My first thought is hay mites but specks like that can also be skin debris from mange mites so a vet diagnosis is definitely needed. Treatment for mange mites is with Ivermectin, preferably as a round of 3 injection as this is most effective. For hay mites you would need to throw all infected hay and bedding away and bath with a mite shampoo, I use Lyclear creme rinse (patch test for 48 hours behind the ear first), though some vets will also treat with Ivermectin, usually as a Spot on, though I do not use Spot on myself. Ivermectin treatment and baths needs to be at least 24 hours apart.

Another option is fungal though it does not look like that to me, let me know though if her hair is greasy at all?
 
I am going to add a link to a thread you may find interesting if you are thinking of changing what type of bedding you use ...

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/bedding-for-guinea-pigs-overview.114219/#post-1614358

As piggyfan says - don't feel rubbish - you were running on advice given .

The whole ethos of this forum is to support fellow guinea pig owners and to share knowledge about guinea pig care.

I have learnt so much since joining this forum.

I remember the cage I was 1st sold by a pet shop - I was told it was a good size for 2 guinea pigs . It's in the loft now and I only keep it as it was handy to have when Max had his abscess and needed nursing care .

If you have had a bad experience with a vet on this forum's vet locator, I would definaltely let the moderators know . If I would you, I would just click on the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the page and send a message.
 
Hello and welcome. You have been given some fantastic advise.

I had a guinea pig once who displayed those brown specks. It turned out just to be dry skin but that was after a vets diagnosis.

Please don't feel rubbish about anything.

I also agree about the recommended vets. Please do let a moderator.
 
Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you all - you made me feel better. I thought that I may get shouted at for following the pets at home advice, haha. Thanks again for your advice.

I have also contacted the moderators regarding the vet.

I am really considering getting rid of sawdust now, and using these vetbeds. Would I just put normal towels down underneath them? Thanks to piggieowner for the link to the thread, it's very helpful :)
 
Jenwah said:
Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you all - you made me feel better. I thought that I may get shouted at for following the pets at home advice, haha. Thanks again for your advice.

I have also contacted the moderators regarding the vet.

I am really considering getting rid of sawdust now, and using these vetbeds. Would I just put normal towels down underneath them? Thanks to piggieowner for the link to the thread, it's very helpful :)
Click to expand...


It helped me a lot !

I'm still undecided . I use puppy pads as a base layer and Fitch in some areas and fleece in others. I also use Aubiose in "litter trays" ( I call them litter trays but my piggies wee an poo everywhere !

You'll find what you like by trial and error.
 
That's a good idea, didnt think of using puppy pads. Going to have a look on the internet tonight and get this sawdust out! Thanks again

Haha yes, the toilet in my pigs cage is everywhere too!
 
Use towels under vet bed and wash them all every three days at 60 degrees.
 
@Jenwah Firstly, I am sorry for your experience with the vet especially as they came recommended here, I am sorry as we go to great lengths to make sure the vets on our list come with recommendations. I will send you a pm tomorrow regarding this.

I have spoken to an experienced person in the guinea pig community and found another vet for you who they use. His name is John Dinsdale, do not see anyone else at the practice as John is the specialist with piggies and the practice contact details are
John Disdale
Andale Veternary Centre
Ditchfield Road
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 8RF
0151 423 5604
 
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