My guinea pigs are 10 weeks old and I’ve had them for almost 2 weeks and they both seemed completely healthy when I picked them up. After about a week, one of them- Nelly- seems to have lost hair around her right eye and it’s become very dry and she’s squinting a little. Her left eye seems okay, just a little dryness above, but her right eye has lost hair and doesn’t seem to be improving. We took her to the vets and he didn’t seem to know what it was, he’s given us eye drops and gave them both an injection of ivermectin but it doesn’t seem to be clearing up.
I’m not sure whether I should be bathing it or find a cream for it...she’s eating well and doesn’t seem lathargic but I’m a little concerned that it’s not clearing up.
Any advice would be appreciated
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Hi and welcome!
Please see a more knowledgable vet for most likely ringworm (fungal infection). Be very careful when handling; ringworm is the single most transmittable issue that humans and other pets can catch and transmit between them.
You may find our ringworm guide helpful. it tells you exactly what you to do and how to prevent transmission, spreaidng a return of ringworm. We have learned the tips in the guide the hard way; it is really worth taking care with the hygiene and not just the treatment.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures
You do not have to separate the companion as long as you give them a fungal bath now to prevent an outbreak (infection has likely already happened) and at the end of treatment in order to prevent carrying any spores across in their coat.
Treatment for a guinea pig with an acute infection takes more care. The least stressful and most effective way is by oral medication (UK: itrafungol, active ingredient itraconazole) - it is also much better when the fungus is sitting very close to a sensitive organ like the eyes, ears or the mouth/nose. Most shampoos affect the eye; Imaverol (active ingedrient enilconazole) is the mildest and most effective dip for topical treatment. Please be very careful not get anything into the eye. You may need to use a syringe for any sensitive areas to avoid getting it in the wrong place.
Ringworm like all acute fungal infections have to run their due course; they get worse before they get better and all hair in the affected area (which is much larger than you think) has come out.
If you have had the problem arising within 2 weeks of sale, you can reclaim any vet cost from a pet shop if you present the vet bills together with the sales receipt as exposure and infection must have happened at the shop. It the shop is reluctant to pay out since more time has passed, then ask to see the manager and also complain to your local council over trading standards. The vet bills with the dates give you written proof that the problem has arisen in their shop and that you have acted in time.
Please do not treat on spec with cheap broad spectrum shop products. They are not strong enough.
Since we have got members 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 tailor any advice to what is available and relevant where you are straight away; including medical brands which differ depending on the country or climate which can also play a role etc. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. This makes it visible with every post you make. Thank you.
Recommended UK vets (see top bar):
Guinea Pig Vet Locator
Recommended vets in some other countries:
Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List
Our guide collection for new owners:
New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice
