Dry patch of skin. Tiny scabs

[AaronGav]

Hi.

My first post on here so hope its in the correct location.

We got two piggies about 10 days ago. One with longish white and brown patchy hair (Mo), and the other with short black hair (Shadow). Both male.

The guy in the store went through the health check routine (checking; fur, eyes, ears, teeth, nails, etc...) beforehand, and said they were both had no visible signs of ill health.

Today I noticed that the short haired guy has a patch of rough skin in the middle of his back, slightly to the side and feels slightly raised. It is about the size of a fingernail, rough to the touch, lacking hair and has what I would describe as several tiny/pin prick scabs (best image I could manage attached).

After noticing this I searched his body for any other issues. And found a single larger scab, located behind his ear (about 1.5cm away from his ear)

After washing my hands and changing my shirt (maybe OTT), I checked the long haired piggy. It was obviously harder to check with the long hair, but I did not find anything similar to that of the other little guy. But I did notice that the long haired piggy had relatively large bald patches behind both ears. Although the skin there felt smooth and soft (I have read that this may be normal, but the black short haired piggy does not have this bald patch behind its ears. Hence my mentioning).

Back to the black piggy. Its quite obvious upon stroking it that the patch of skin mentioned is there (due to being slightly raised). So I don't think it would have gone unnoticed by the pets at home staff if it was there upon purchase, which he surely would have mentioned if evident at the time (regardless of weather it was an issue or not). So I'm wondering if its likely for such a thing to present in such a short space of time, and also what people on here believe it could be.

From what I have read it seems more akin to a bacterial issue (such as ringworm), than mites. But that does not seem to be consistent with the single larger scab found behind his ear.

The two of them live in a 120cm/45cm cage. There are two of everything (igloo, food bowl, water bottle, etc...) to help prevent fighting. Their room is of a good humidity (not too high) at a temperature between 18-20c. We wash hands before and after handling them. And clean visible soiled and wet patches 1-2 times a day (cleaning fully after a week). They are given unlimited fresh hay, the stated daily allowance of vitamin c enriched piggy pellets, and daily fresh veg (spinach, red pepper, Kale, etc...). Their cage consists of a deep layer of the appropriate chippings, with a top layer of hay (although we have just purchased a washable fleece bedding, specifically designed for piggies. Guinea Dad, I think the brand is called).

We have not handled them much since purchase, as was allowing time to settle into their new home (mainly talking to them and hand feeding veg while stroking them). Otherwise we may have been able to notice this sooner/follow its progression.

Neither of them appear to be itching, and upon touching the affected skin the piggy seems indifferent. I'm not aware of them fighting (not witnessed), but the little black guy does follow the other one around a lot (into its bed, then the long haired one moves into the other bed, black one follows, etc...). Initially we thought the black one was pestering/bullying the other, but it seems as though he just likes the company. Which may be getting on the nerves of the long haired one.

They are both still a bit skittish upon initially picking them up (giving us the runabout around the cage). But once we have them they are happy to sit eating and/or being stroked and don't attempt to run off if left untouched on our lap or belly/chest. The black guy is more hesitant to allow us to pick him up, but upon seeing the other get attention becomes more open to it.

Any help/advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sophie B]

Hello, please take your piggy to the vet, I don’t think it is very serious but the vet will prescribe a cream to put on it

 

[PigglePuggle]

Could be mites, or ringworm which is a very contagious fungal infection- best get both piggies a vet check in the next few days. The baldness behind the ears is normal, all piggies are bald there. But that patch in the photo will definitely need a vet to diagnose and prescribe something strong enough to treat it.

 

[Tiamolly123]

Could you get him to the vet, or straight after New Year. It doesn't look like a bite, more ringworm, or mites. I think it may need looking at. Is he eating & drinking OK.

 

[AaronGav]

Thankyou for your quick replies.

I do intend to take the little guys to the vet. I guess I panicked a bit when finding that our local vet is not open until after new year, and their opening times means that I we won't be able to take them until a week on Tuesday (due to work commitments).

We have not separated them, as they have been so close already that I guess they would both require any suggested treatment (even if its only precautionary for the seemingly unaffected one).

In your experience is it normal for such a thing to occur in such a short timeframe (being only 10 days since purchase, and having been checked/confirmed OK when purchased)? And does anyone have any advice on preventing future instances?

I'm hoping that whatever is the issue, may have been present from the pet store and once its sorted our continuing proper care will minimise the risk of reoccurrence.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi.

My first post on here so hope its in the correct location.

We got two piggies about 10 days ago. One with longish white and brown patchy hair (Mo), and the other with short black hair (Shadow). Both male.

The guy in the store went through the health check routine (checking; fur, eyes, ears, teeth, nails, etc...) beforehand, and said they were both had no visible signs of ill health.

Today I noticed that the short haired guy has a patch of rough skin in the middle of his back, slightly to the side and feels slightly raised. It is about the size of a fingernail, rough to the touch, lacking hair and has what I would describe as several tiny/pin prick scabs (best image I could manage attached).

After noticing this I searched his body for any other issues. And found a single larger scab, located behind his ear (about 1.5cm away from his ear)

After washing my hands and changing my shirt (maybe OTT), I checked the long haired piggy. It was obviously harder to check with the long hair, but I did not find anything similar to that of the other little guy. But I did notice that the long haired piggy had relatively large bald patches behind both ears. Although the skin there felt smooth and soft (I have read that this may be normal, but the black short haired piggy does not have this bald patch behind its ears. Hence my mentioning).

Back to the black piggy. Its quite obvious upon stroking it that the patch of skin mentioned is there (due to being slightly raised). So I don't think it would have gone unnoticed by the pets at home staff if it was there upon purchase, which he surely would have mentioned if evident at the time (regardless of weather it was an issue or not). So I'm wondering if its likely for such a thing to present in such a short space of time, and also what people on here believe it could be.

From what I have read it seems more akin to a bacterial issue (such as ringworm), than mites. But that does not seem to be consistent with the single larger scab found behind his ear.

The two of them live in a 120cm/45cm cage. There are two of everything (igloo, food bowl, water bottle, etc...) to help prevent fighting. Their room is of a good humidity (not too high) at a temperature between 18-20c. We wash hands before and after handling them. And clean visible soiled and wet patches 1-2 times a day (cleaning fully after a week). They are given unlimited fresh hay, the stated daily allowance of vitamin c enriched piggy pellets, and daily fresh veg (spinach, red pepper, Kale, etc...). Their cage consists of a deep layer of the appropriate chippings, with a top layer of hay (although we have just purchased a washable fleece bedding, specifically designed for piggies. Guinea Dad, I think the brand is called).

We have not handled them much since purchase, as was allowing time to settle into their new home (mainly talking to them and hand feeding veg while stroking them). Otherwise we may have been able to notice this sooner/follow its progression.

Neither of them appear to be itching, and upon touching the affected skin the piggy seems indifferent. I'm not aware of them fighting (not witnessed), but the little black guy does follow the other one around a lot (into its bed, then the long haired one moves into the other bed, black one follows, etc...). Initially we thought the black one was pestering/bullying the other, but it seems as though he just likes the company. Which may be getting on the nerves of the long haired one.

They are both still a bit skittish upon initially picking them up (giving us the runabout around the cage). But once we have them they are happy to sit eating and/or being stroked and don't attempt to run off if left untouched on our lap or belly/chest. The black guy is more hesitant to allow us to pick him up, but upon seeing the other get attention becomes more open to it.

Any help/advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

View attachment 103785View attachment 103786

Hi!

Please have your piggy vet checked. It looks like ringworm, which is the most aggressive and transmissive form of fungal skin infection (does transmit to and from humans and other pets, too). Do not treat on spec and do not treat before having your piggy vet checked, as that can impede a diagnosis. Please take the time to read our ringworm hygiene advice carefully (accessible via the link below) as it is crucial in preventing infecting yourself and your family and in getting on top of ringworm once and for all.
Do not separate your youngsters, as they will have passed on any infection already and will need treating both, if only to prevent an acute outbreak in the companion. Separation is another stress factor that will not help them and that can derail the bonding process which is still in process.

your piggies will keep if you make an appointment with a regular vet. If there are still free slots, you can alternatively try to book an appointment at a 24 hour no-frills service if you live in an urban area (google for available services). There is a certain surcharge during regular opening hours, but it is generally not massive.

You can reclaim the vet cost from the pet shop by presenting the sales receipt together with the vet bill as infection and transmission has happened there (the time between infection and acute outbreak is 10-14 days), and if they come with invisible spores in their coat, it can even be later.

Please take the time to read this guide here. It contains information about your customer rights and further information and links to the most often encountered health problems that shop and for-sale breeder piggies come with (including ringworm).
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

This guide is part of our new owners' guide collection, which addresses specifically all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about from new owners. You will hopefully find it very helpful and interesting, too, in order to avoid the usual pitfalls as much as possible under the circumstances: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
I can’t add to the advice already given.
Hope all works out well for you

 

[AaronGav]

Could you get him to the vet, or straight after New Year. It doesn't look like a bite, more ringworm, or mites. I think it may need looking at. Is he eating & drinking OK.

He/they both appear to be eating fine (the hay is getting munched away and pellets are usually all gone by the time the next lot is due). They would eat veg forever out of our hands if we let them!

I'm not too sure about the drinking. I've rarely seen them drinking from the bottle, and they only seem to be using one of them. About a quarter of a large bottle disappears each day (although we replace daily with fresh water regardless). But I've read that they may not drink too much if getting water from veg, especially if still a bit wet from being rinsed (they love spinach leaves and red pepper).

There poo's look fine (frequent and formed), very east to clean up. And they are definitely weeing plenty, as they have seemed to have chosen a spot in the corner of the cage to soak!

 

[alpacasqueak]

Were the piggies purchased from Pets at Home? A lot of them now have vets so may be worth trying to get into them? Especially if the piggies were bought from them originally as you can reclaim costs like has been said above.
Hope your piggies are enjoying their new home though, sorry you've had problems so soon with them!

 

[AaronGav]

Hi!

Please have your piggy vet checked. It looks like ringworm, which is the most aggressive and transmissive form of fungal skin infection (does transmit to and from humans and other pets, too). Do not treat on spec and do not treat before having your piggy vet checked, as that can impede a diagnosis. Please take the time to read our ringworm hygiene advice carefully (accessible via the link below) as it is crucial in preventing infecting yourself and your family and in getting on top of ringworm once and for all.
Do not separate your youngsters, as they will have passed on any infection already and will need treating both, if only to prevent an acute outbreak in the companion. Separation is another stress factor that will not help them and that can derail the bonding process which is still in process.

your piggies will keep if you make an appointment with a regular vet. If there are still free slots, you can alternatively try to book an appointment at a 24 hour no-frills service if you live in an urban area (google for available services). There is a certain surcharge during regular opening hours, but it is generally not massive.

You can reclaim the vet cost from the pet shop by presenting the sales receipt together with the vet bill as infection and transmission has happened there (the time between infection and acute outbreak is 10-14 days), and if they come with invisible spores in their coat, it can even be later.

Please take the time to read this guide here. It contains information about your customer rights and further information and links to the most often encountered health problems that shop and for-sale breeder piggies come with.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

This guide is part of our new owners' guide collection, which addresses specifically all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about from new owners. You will hopefully find it very helpful and interesting, too, in order to avoid the usual pitfalls as much as possible under the circumstances: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

Wow!

Thanks for the in depth response. The advise given, and the helpful links.

I intend to take to the vets at my earliest convenience. I was just worrying that there may be a serious issue that could not wait until I was unable to take them.

Thanks again.

 

[AaronGav]

Were the piggies purchased from Pets at Home? A lot of them now have vets so may be worth trying to get into them? Especially if the piggies were bought from them originally as you can reclaim costs like has been said above.
Hope your piggies are enjoying their new home though, sorry you've had problems so soon with them!

Yes, we got them last Friday from pets at home. I did not know they had vets in house (I just thought the bit at the back was for dog grooming).

I would have informed them anyway, after getting a diagnosis. So they can check their own piggies and hopefully inform owners of recent sales.

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it.

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, we got them last Friday from pets at home. I did not know they had vets in house (I just thought the bit at the back was for dog grooming).

I would have informed them anyway, after getting a diagnosis. So they can check their own piggies and hopefully inform owners of recent sales.

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it.

Not all shops have in-house vets, and they are usually n-frills general vets and not necessarily guinea pig specialists when it come to less routine health problems. P@h unfortunately still have a major ringworm problem if you go by how many newly purchased piggies we see on this forum with this issue!

Are your guinea pigs indoors or are they in a hutch?

 

[alpacasqueak]

Not all shops have in-house vets, and they are usually n-frills general vets and not necessarily guinea pig specialists when it come to less routine health problems. P@h unfortunately still have a major ringworm problem if you go by how many newly purchased piggies we see on this forum with this issue!

Are your guinea pigs indoors or are they in a hutch?

Sorry just trying to think of ideas for a quick vet trip today if would be an issue for poster of the thread to get to one sooner.
Would definitely recommend finding a good piggy vet to treat any problems. Sorry about that.

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry that you’ve bought a piggy with problem. The good news is that it is relatively easy for the vet to diagnose and treat. The bad news is, as Wiebke has said, that it looks like ringworm which his highly contagious to humans.
I would get on to P@H immediately to inform them of the problem and ask them which vets they use as they are responsible for this problem (you are not alone - from what we have seen they clearly have a ringworm problem with their breeders). They will have to be responsible for the costs of treatment.

 

[AaronGav]

Not all shops have in-house vets, and they are usually n-frills general vets and not necessarily guinea pig specialists when it come to less routine health problems. P@h unfortunately still have a major ringworm problem if you go by how many newly purchased piggies we see on this forum with this issue!

Are your guinea pigs indoors or are they in a hutch?

We have a local vet. The problem is that they are closed until after new year and after that we are working during their opening hours until a week on Tuesday. My worry is that it has gotten how it is in just 10 days, it could potentially double by the time we see the vet. I was hoping there would be something I could do in the meantime to stop it getting too bad before seeing the vet.

I have called pets at home to inform them (simply to ensure they are on top of it on their end + can inform recent customers). They said they know they have ringworm problems, but thought it was sorted at the time I bought my piggies + were unable/unwilling to comment on other cases from the same 'batch' (I just hope they will inform recent customers and stop sale until deal with).

I'm not too concerned about the vet costs, as I just want the little guys to stay healthy. But I'll definitely question it with pets at home once a diagnosis is gained.

Thanks for the response.

 

[AaronGav]

I’m so sorry that you’ve bought a piggy with problem. The good news is that it is relatively easy for the vet to diagnose and treat. The bad news is, as Wiebke has said, that it looks like ringworm which his highly contagious to humans.
I would get on to P@H immediately to inform them of the problem and ask them which vets they use as they are responsible for this problem (you are not alone - from what we have seen they clearly have a ringworm problem with their breeders). They will have to be responsible for the costs of treatment.

Thanks for the information. Please see my last response about having called pets at home, etc...

 

[Wiebke]

We have a local vet. The problem is that they are closed until after new year and after that we are working during their opening hours until a week on Tuesday. My worry is that it has gotten how it is in just 10 days, it could potentially double by the time we see the vet. I was hoping there would be something I could do in the meantime to stop it getting too bad before seeing the vet.

I have called pets at home to inform them (simply to ensure they are on top of it on their end + can inform recent customers). They said they know they have ringworm problems, but thought it was sorted at the time I bought my piggies + were unable/unwilling to comment on other cases from the same 'batch' (I just hope they will inform recent customers and stop sale until deal with).

I'm not too concerned about the vet costs, as I just want the little guys to stay healthy. But I'll definitely question it with pets at home once a diagnosis is gained.

Thanks for the response.

Please try to have your piggies seen as soon as possible after the new year, even if it means having to travel a bit further. My own specialist vet is an hour from home; longer if I have to make the journey by train - and I have done that repeatedly, even with freshly operated piggies!

Here are our tips for vet visits and travelling with guinea pigs:
Tips For Vet Visits
Travelling with guinea pigs

 

[VickiA]

I’d really try to get to the vets sooner rather than later, as ringworm is extremely itchy and sore for the piggy concerned and also highly contagious. The sooner you can start treatment for the piggy and the deep clean, the better.
As for P@H response, I’d prefer not to comment!

 

[AaronGav]

Please try to have your piggies seen as soon as possible after the new year, even if it means having to travel a bit further. My own specialist vet is an hour from home; longer if I have to make the journey by train - and I have done that repeatedly, even with freshly operated piggies!

Here are our tips for vet visits and travelling with guinea pigs:
Tips For Vet Visits
Travelling with guinea pigs

Thanks for the information.

Traveling is fine. I've got a decent Carrier (large enough for them both, etc...). Its just that after the new year we are working during the opening times of our local vet + others I've googled nearby (we set off for work around 6:30am and don't return until around 7pm. And after being off over Christmas and new year we've copped for weekend shifts this weekend. But are off work a week on Tuesday).

If its that urgent and nothing we can personally do in the meantime. I'll try and get some last minute annual leave (although unlikely after having Christmas and new year off), or get a friend or family member to take them.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks for the information.

Traveling is fine. I've got a decent Carrier (large enough for them both, etc...). Its just that after the new year we are working during the opening times of our local vet + others I've googled nearby (we set off for work around 6:30am and don't return until around 7pm. And after being off over Christmas and new year we've copped for weekend shifts this weekend. But are off work a week on Tuesday).

If its that urgent and nothing we can personally do in the meantime. I'll try and get some last minute annual leave (although unlikely after having Christmas and new year off), or get a friend or family member to take them.

Thanks for the advice.

All the best! 10 days mean that you are most likely going to have to deal with yet more infected patches, likely in both piggies and much more hassle - as well as a much higher infection risk.

If you can, please order F10 disinfectant online today (it is the most effective disinfectant against ringworm and always good to have at home for a deep clean or with human norovirus etc.). I would also recommend to get a large bottle of nizoral shampoo for yourself as an all body shampoo to prevent a ringworm outbreak in yourself if you have handled your piggy and their stuff without protection since the outbreak.

Please take the time to read our ringworm care guide. it really has got all the practical tips that have stood the test of time in there!
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

 

[PigglePuggle]

Good advice there from @Wiebke, we adopted a piggy with ringworm a couple of months ago and the sooner you can get to the vet the better really. We were lucky to get to the vet the next day and get treatment and it didnt spread beyond the one patch on one pig, and it cleared up in a fortnight- quick treatment for piggy and lots of F10 spray for the cage and room, and antifungal shower gel and laundry detergent for yourself, might save a lot of hassle later!

 

[AaronGav]

All the best! 10 days mean that you are most likely going to have to deal with yet more infected patches, likely in both piggies and much more hassle - as well as a much higher infection risk.

If you can, please order F10 disinfectant online today (it is the most effective disinfectant against ringworm and always good to have at home for a deep clean or with human norovirus etc.). I would also recommend to get a large bottle of nizoral shampoo for yourself as an all body shampoo to prevent a ringworm outbreak in yourself if you have handled your piggy and their stuff without protection since the outbreak.

Please take the time to read our ringworm care guide. it really has got all the practical tips that have stood the test of time in there!
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

Massive thanks!

 

[Merab]

Is there a vet hospital near you?
We have one in Swindon which offers 24 / 7 Care and emergency appointments outside normal surgery hours.
If your working hours don’t allow you to go in normal hours this could be an option.

 

[AaronGav]

Is there a vet hospital near you?
We have one in Swindon which offers 24 / 7 Care and emergency appointments outside normal surgery hours.
If your working hours don’t allow you to go in normal hours this could be an option.

I'll give it a google once I'm home. Thanks for letting me know about out of hours services.

 

[Merab]

Hope you find something.

I was very grateful for being able to access emergency care earlier this year so it’s worth looking

 

[Wiebke]

I'll give it a google once I'm home. Thanks for letting me know about out of hours services.

You can also find our of hours services in your area by ringing your vet clinic and listening to their message.

 

[AaronGav]

Just an update in case anyone is interested.

Managed to get out of work early yesterday and get the piggies to the vets.

They had a good look over them both and found nothing on the long haired one, and on the short haired fella, found the same patches I initially described, and a tiny patch above his nose (which I had not previously noticed).

The vet was certain that it was ringworm. They said that they felt that due to the age, size/weight of the piggies, and the size of effected area. That oral mediation was not the best course of action. I was given a cream to rub directly onto effected areas, and a spray/non-rinse shampoo thing, to spritz over both piggies and rub in/brush through hair; avoiding the eyes, etc... (as a precautionary measure for the long haired guy).

They gave similar advice on cleanliness as stated in the guide someone had linked on here, and said to keep up this daily treatment for around two weeks (returning if any issues arise, or if not well on the way to better by then).

I've purchased the disinfectant someone mentioned (as well as a hand cleansing gel by the same name), and the shampoo for ourselves. I've also purchased a 2nd guineadad bedding fleece, so that we can change regularly and not have to wait until the clean one is dry to replace.

The piggies are understandably much more apprehensive to allow us to pick them up, being new to us anyway and now knowing our contact just means the annoying application of their treatment. Although once started they don't seem to mind the process.

Their eating, interaction with each other does not seemed to have changed, and I have not noticed any scratching (although could be doing this when not being observed/when in their igloo).

Now on to pets at home. I went into the shop were we purchased them and explained the issue (sold with ringworm, showing details from the vet). They apologised but said its not their policy to pay the vets fees unless pre-agreed and taken to their own vet (which my branch does not have). What they did offer was a 'refund' or 'exchange' (showing a clear view of the piggies as items rather than living beings).

We obviously do not want an exchange, as they are now part of our home (I think they hope that people would feel this way to avoid people agreeing to a swap/refund).

I queried what would happen to the piggies if I agreed to a refund. They were reluctant to explain that they would put them in the adoption station once better, but only IF the cost to treat was seen as financially viable (indicating that they would likely put them down if treatment was deemed too expensive). Thinking on my feet, I agreed to a refund on the condition that I could keep our piggies. They agreed (refunded the cost of the piggies and initial food, bedding, hay, etc... I had purchased). Although nowhere near my outlay (vets, extra fleece, etc...), it at least lessens the cost slightly.

I hope the treatment works and the piggies have the least discomfort possible while going through this treatment. And I don't think I'll be going to pets at home in the future.

 

[YvonneBlue]

So pleased that you have managed to get to the vet with your piggies. Such a shame you are having to deal with ringworm and all that entails. Hope the treatment goes well and you can begin to enjoy being a piggy slave.

I think others on here have had more luck getting vets fees from P@H when they have had problems but i am unsure what their legal obligations are. At least you got something back from them. I still find it hard to understand that that pet stores treat their animals like a pair of jeans and expect that you will be happy to just hand them back and take a replacement. It also happened to me last year when i was sold mis-sexed skinny pigs by a well known exotics store in Manchester ( i wouldn't buy from a pet store now but would go to a rescue). I couldn't believe that they thought i would just handover Dora and Ginger when they had become part of our family. They wouldn't help in any other way and we ended up with the cost of neutering Ginger and also the worry that entailed.

Good luck with your piggies.

 

[Wiebke]

All the best! It is a lot of work, but it is worth being thorough now and not having any more ringworm headaches in the future.

But glad that you have now got a diagnosis and can hopefully prevent the companion from developing acute patches, too, which then have to run their due course.

Please be aware that the patches are going to get worse before the get better as the hair in the affected areas will all having to come out (ringworm is sitting at the root of hairs). You are out of the acute phase when the patches are no longer growing and forming exudate crusts.

Please still give a single bath once you are there (you can use the nizoral shampoo) in order to wash out any spores that sit in the coat before you remove your piggies into the deep cleaned cage to make sure that really nothing is carried across for a new - ringworm-free - start. I had twice carried a ringworm outbreak in that must have come in coat of a new piggy or a previous ringworm pig that had not got their 'sign-off' bath.

 

[Merab]

What a rotten thing to happen.
Good luck with the treatment.
Hope it all clears up soon