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Hair loss!

missljay

missljay

Junior Guinea Pig
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Just noticed my older lady has lost quite a sizeable amount of fur (she's not one to be handled so haven't noticed until now) Booking her in the vets tomorrow - just wondering if you had any idea of if it's anything sinister?
 

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missljay said:
Just noticed my older lady has lost quite a sizeable amount of fur (she's not one to be handled so haven't noticed until now) Booking her in the vets tomorrow - just wondering if you had any idea of if it's anything sinister?
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I am no guinea pig expert but it looks like something similar to mites which are a small parasite that live on guinea pigs skin. I have had this problem with my pigs a couple of times before, if it is mites the vet will give you some treatment for your pig. For now, if there are any other pigs in the cage with the piggie with poorly skin, you may want to separate them so the mites don't spread. As I said before I am no expert so am only going by experience so it may be something completely different. :)
 
I can't help you with what it might be but just wanted to offer support - I hope you get on okay at the vets! Let us know what they say :)
 
Shes booked in for this evening so hopefully we get to the bottom of it. She's attached it so much that's she's made it bleed again 😔
 
missljay said:
Shes booked in for this evening so hopefully we get to the bottom of it. She's attached it so much that's she's made it bleed again 😔
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Brilliant - I'm sure the vets will know the problem and give something for the itching! My girls have ringworm at the moment :( they were scratching so much they made it bleed, but the vet gave some soothing cream which has helped a lot and they no longer scratch it - sending healing vibes!
 
DizzyD95 said:
Brilliant - I'm sure the vets will know the problem and give something for the itching! My girls have ringworm at the moment :( they were scratching so much they made it bleed, but the vet gave some soothing cream which has helped a lot and they no longer scratch it - sending healing vibes!
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Have they been losing fur in clumps too?
 
Mother Hubbard said:
Ringworm tends to be in the face rather than the rump which makes me think mites and your pig will need a injection for ongoing treatment
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Mother Hubbard said:
Ringworm tends to be in the face rather than the rump which makes me think mites and your pig will need a injection for ongoing treatment
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Ah I see! Is it anything I've done wrong that's caused this? Feel so incredibly guilty!
 
Honestly don’t feel bad it can be a combination of things. The heat won’t have helped to be honest I.e. the humidity which we are just not used to here. I’ve had ringworm in pigs indoor and outdoor and whilst not hugely common it’s flipping horrible.
But with mites well you can get hay mites. It isn’t a sign of uncleanliness believe me.
 
Mother Hubbard said:
Honestly don’t feel bad it can be a combination of things. The heat won’t have helped to be honest I.e. the humidity which we are just not used to here. I’ve had ringworm in pigs indoor and outdoor and whilst not hugely common it’s flipping horrible.
But with mites well you can get hay mites. It isn’t a sign of uncleanliness believe me.
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I have swapped Hay brands over the last month so it might be that! I've had guinea pigs for 4.5 years now and never had to deal with anything like this - it's really thrown me off!
 
I know, it happens. I’ve had hay mites too and surprisingly I caught it quickly but I also treat mine with xeno too to keep on top of stuff like this. It’s worth it.
I also use F10 cleaner on my hutches to erridicate any type of potential risk oh and hutch spray for the damn flies and fly screens and now fly guard . It’s not possible to do anymore to ward off potential problems.
Once your vet has confirmed and treatment starts you will feel better and so will your piggy.
To feel better why not go along to the gorgeous Guineas website and check out there shampoos too as a treat. Fab stuff!
 
Mother Hubbard said:
I know, it happens. I’ve had hay mites too and surprisingly I caught it quickly but I also treat mine with xeno too to keep on top of stuff like this. It’s worth it.
I also use F10 cleaner on my hutches to erridicate any type of potential risk oh and hutch spray for the damn flies and fly screens and now fly guard . It’s not possible to do anymore to ward off potential problems.
Once your vet has confirmed and treatment starts you will feel better and so will your piggy.
To feel better why not go along to the gorgeous Guineas website and check out there shampoos too as a treat. Fab stuff!
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I think I will! I wouldn't be so stressed normally but I'm off on my holidays Saturday! The lady that's looking after her is happy to treat her for me but I feel terrible!
 
One tip I like is to forewarn my vets and set up an account when I’m away. In case of any problems. I also have a note in the hutches about what food and when (care guide) and get regular updates to help me sleep at night and ensure everything is ok. A small list of possible further signs of illness and your good to go on hols.
I’m sure your pig will be fine as soon as treatment is well under way.
 
Mother Hubbard said:
One tip I like is to forewarn my vets and set up an account when I’m away. In case of any problems. I also have a note in the hutches about what food and when (care guide) and get regular updates to help me sleep at night and ensure everything is ok. A small list of possible further signs of illness and your good to go on hols.
I’m sure your pig will be fine as soon as treatment is well under way.
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Thankyou so much for all of your advise! I'll deffo be putting it all into action
 
Update on Ginge - Vet agreed that it was most probably mites and prescribed her a pipette that seem to have done the trick. No fresh wounds and the rest have scabbed over nicely. Lord knows how long it'll take her fur to grown back though 🙈
 
missljay said:
Update on Ginge - Vet agreed that it was most probably mites and prescribed her a pipette that seem to have done the trick. No fresh wounds and the rest have scabbed over nicely. Lord knows how long it'll take her fur to grown back though 🙈
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That's great! So pleased it's sorted. It's taken about 3/4 weeks for my girls hair to start growing back in their patches so hopefully it won't be too long for you :)
 
DizzyD95 said:
That's great! So pleased it's sorted. It's taken about 3/4 weeks for my girls hair to start growing back in their patches so hopefully it won't be too long for you :)
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Well he said she was likely to lose more first as so much fur is very loose so I think she might end up more skinny pig than ginge for a while 😁
 
missljay said:
Well he said she was likely to lose more first as so much fur is very loose so I think she might end up more skinny pig than ginge for a while 😁
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Sounds about right - ringworm (like my piggies had) doesn't cause the fur to loosen so slightly different. Awh - I bet she is still just as sweet and adorable as a little skinny pig :))
 
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