Hair loss and runny eyes

[Suzanne and Jack]

Hello,
We adopted a guinea from Petsmart where my daughter works. This female guinea (Nova) had health problems when she was little with runny eyes and some other issues that I can't remember now. Petsmart put her in quarantine and had a vet looking in on her for a couple of months. She was treated the vet including with antibiotics and steroids. While she did get better, her eyes still were watery needing wiped off daily and Petsmart put her up for adoption. We brought her home and gave bought another piggy to befriend her. She was so happy to be out of quarantine!

When we got her, I noticed her nipples were dry and crusty. Her eyes still watery and now she is loosing hair. Her weight seems fine. Her energy is relatively low compared to her roommate.

I feel that she may have a genetic problem or a thyroid issue but I don't really know. Can someone comment on this or let me know what I can do for her?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

How old is she? The symptoms you list can be that of ovarian cysts. I attach a link below which gives some further information. Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Suzanne and Jack]

Hello,
She is about 1 year old. I did read somewhere that crusty nipples and watery eyes may be a sign of ovarian cysts. What can be done for this? Is hair loss part of the symptoms, do you know?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes hairloss can be a symptom of cysts, but it can also be a symptom of other things. You will need to have a vet check her over.

 

[Siikibam]

I’d advise you take her to the vet for a check. In fact take them both. Do you know of a guinea savvy vet in tour area?

 

[VickiA]

I agree - I think it’s best to get the vet to check her over.

 

[Suzanne and Jack]

Thank you. I'm looking into this now. I believe I've found one. That is not too far from me.

 

[Siikibam]

Make sure they’re cavy savvy. Good luck and hopefully it’s something simple. Let us know what they say.

 

[Suzanne and Jack]

Thank you! Yes, I did find a specialist. I hope to get her in to see tje vet this week.

 

[Wiebke]

Please take the time to read our green link about ovarian cysts in the previous posts.

We cannot comment on the hair loss without more information; so many different things can cause hair loss but often in different places and with different pattern.

I also second a vet visit because all we can do make as educated a guess as we can on the information you provide without seeing your piggy or being able to check for crucial telltale symptoms. This is very much the limitation of any online place.
Here in the UK (where this forum is based) it is against animal welfare legislation to withhold veterinary treatment in the first place.

All the best! At least your poorly girl is with somebody who really cares about her!