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Fungal or mites...?

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*Nibbles&Nugget*

*Nibbles&Nugget*

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This seems to be a question asked a lot but I'm going to have to ask it again. You may remember back when I believed Bingo had Ringworm. Three vet trips later and the vet it insisting its still mites. We've had a spot on treatment and a one meant for cats and dogs which I believe is called stronghold or something similar.

Despite this what started off a a small pinprick sized bald patch a centimeter from his nose has become a bald patch bigger than his eye.

I took this photo of him four days ago and it is now twice the size of this image. I've checked carefully and this is the only patch.

2012-01-22102310.jpg


It isn't a great picture because I'm on my phone but despite the rest of his skin being black it is white and scabby. It was bleeding a little today where he scratched it but it doesn't seem to bother him or be all that itchy. Its really distressing to look at though and I want him to get better. If you think this is mites is there a more powerful treated we can try? (Bear in mind he's only thirteen-ish weeks old) If this is fungal how can we get the vet to diagnose this correctedly and what treatment is there? Or is it something else altogether.

Please help. I'm at my wits end with it!

Amy
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Hi Amy,

Sorry I'm not up to date with your piggies Fungal / Mite issues, but the picture shows a patch on Bingo's face, does he have any other patches like this?
When Bingo's problems first became apparent what part of his body did it start from?

Please check out this useful guide
http://www.gorgeousguineas.com/indentification.html

Often it can be tricky to diagnose between parasitic and fungal infection and often they go hand in hand.
Is Bingo's hair coming out in tuffs when if pulled? Is he sensitive to touch?

Please recheck with your vet, if you are not confident with your vets ability maybe members could suggest a recommended vet in your area?

If you could possibly give more information more advice can be given.
Bearing in mind Bingo is 13 weeks what weight is he? Is is cage mate showing any symptoms?
 
Wow. Quick reply!

I first noticed a small bald patch by his eye a week after we got him. That was three and a half weeks ago now. It was very small and we were getting them a health check anyway. The vet said it was mites and gave us spot on. A week later he still wasn't well and we took him back and were given the second treatment. It just keeps getting worse. I'm positive that its the only patch and his brother, has had no signs of anything similar (he was treated for earmites after developing a head tilt but thats cleared up)

Bingo eats, drinks, runs around and popcorns loads. The patch is very sensitive and often he squeals in pain if you accidentally touch it. I've seen him itch a couple of times but I have no idea where the hair goes because it just seems to disappear overnight.

Offhand I'm not sure of his weight but will weigh him and get back to you on that.

Its not that I'm not confident in the vet, its just my usual one is on maternity leave and this new vet seems very young and a bit don't care-ish. My vet will be back in two weeks thank god but until then I will be requesting to see another vet at the surgery.


Amy
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When I say he's thirteen- ish weeks old I mean thats the estimate the vet gave us. As they are someones unwanted Christmas present they could be as young as ten weeks but we're not sure.

Bingo weighs - 502g
Buddy weighs - 564g

Although Bingo is lighter he's definitely eating and drinking the same as Buddy and neither seem lethargic.


Amy
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Just got a little cross with the vet I don't like over the phone when I called for further advice. If anyone knows a good vet near me I will speak to my mum about getting him seen elsewhere until my normal vet is back.

I just don't know what to do. He's very small and we still have no idea what wrong with him. :(


Amy
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These pictures were taken yesterday and its only a little bit bigger today.


2012-01-24112157.jpg


2012-01-24112126.jpg



Amy
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Last edited:
Thanks so much everyone. I'm getting an appointment with a different vet today or tomorrow. It looks pretty awful right now though. Really worrying. Mum says Maidstone is a bit too far though I would certainly consider it if the vets upset me again.

Amy
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Just saw a different vet and as suspected she immediately said fungal. We were sent to the local chemist for Daktarin Cream which we have to apply twice daily.

I showed the vet I saw this thread on my phone. She was very interested and noted down the websites you suggested for future reference. Thank you for all your help. Hopefully Bingo will start getting better soon.


Amy
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Good luck Bingo! :) My piggies had fungal when I bought them, and the pet shop refused to acknowledge that it was even a problem! It cleared up nicely though in the end.
 
I've only done two treatments but already the skin looks improved. Its not such a bright white colour and some of it is now the normal black colour. Obviously it still looks sore but I'm pleased to see an improvement. When he stops hating me I will get another picture to show the how much better it looks.


Amy
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