Help! Bald Spot Around Eye. What Should I Do?

[merel]

Hi. I'm a fairly new pig-mum, I used to have a guinea pig when I was very little and recently became interested again. After lots of research and setting up a little vet-fund I got two girls (approx 8 weeks) from the pet-store last friday. They're called Tilly and Puck.

They're doing well and slowly getting used to me but after a few days, I've noticed that Puck has been scratching her right eye, and there's now a bald spot. It's gotten bigger when I checked again this morning. She's completely fine otherwise, eating nicely, jumping and running a lot. There's no other bald spots on her whatsoever. I've had them for less than a week so I'm still very clueless. Tilly doesn't seem to have any problems currently. Two other piggies in the store had scabies, but the store clerks told me (and double checked) that Tilly and Puck didn't have it. From what I know it doesn't look like scabies. So what is it? Could it be fungal? What should I do about it? Should I go seek out a vet? Should I seperate Puck from the other girl Tilly? I don't even have a second cage yet.... a few days would be the fastest I could get a second one. Is that alright?

If anyone could give me some tips, I'd be really really grateful.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi. I'm a fairly new pig-mum, I used to have a guinea pig when I was very little and recently became interested again. After lots of research and setting up a little vet-fund I got two girls (approx 8 weeks) from the pet-store last friday. They're called Tilly and Puck.

They're doing well and slowly getting used to me but after a few days, I've noticed that Puck has been scratching her right eye, and there's now a bald spot. It's gotten bigger when I checked again this morning. She's completely fine otherwise, eating nicely, jumping and running a lot. There's no other bald spots on her whatsoever. I've had them for less than a week so I'm still very clueless. Tilly doesn't seem to have any problems currently. Two other piggies in the store had scabies, but the store clerks told me (and double checked) that Tilly and Puck didn't have it. From what I know it doesn't look like scabies. So what is it? Could it be fungal? What should I do about it? Should I go seek out a vet? Should I seperate Puck from the other girl Tilly? I don't even have a second cage yet.... a few days would be the fastest I could get a second one. Is that alright?

If anyone could give me some tips, I'd be really really grateful.

Hi and welcome!

Your guinea pig looks like it is coming down with ringworm, which is sadly not at all uncommon.

Please see a vet for a properdignosis and treatment. You can reclaim the cost from the pet shop, as ringworm (fungal) takes 10-14 days between infection and outbreak. You can also report the pet shop to the local authorities for selling infected pets; that is usually the most efffective way, especially if they refuse a refund.

Please be aware that ringworm is the single more transmittable infection that can pass between all mammals. You need to practise good hygiene in order to prevent infecting yourself and a return of the ringworm. It is a pain, but it is really worth doing it to get rid of it once and for all!
You also need to give your other companion a fungicidal dip or bath in order to prevent an outbreak. If you do that as specified in our ringworm guide (i.e. at the beginning of the outbreak, the end of the acute phase and the end of the subsequent 2 weeks quarantine), you can leave your two girls together; which is much less stressful on them than a separation, especially in view of their young age. Please note that the fungal spot has to get quite a bit worse before it gets better as it has already affected a larger area than visible and has to run its due course. With prompt treatment, you should however be able to get on top of the acute phase in about a week to ten days.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures
Guinea Lynx :: Fungus

 

[Flutterby]

I hope you managed to get it sorted. Ringworm is a pain so correct treatment from the offstart is important so that you don't spread the infection.

 

[merel]

Hi and welcome!

Your guinea pig looks like it is coming down with ringworm, which is sadly not at all uncommon.

Please see a vet for a properdignosis and treatment. You can reclaim the cost from the pet shop, as ringworm (fungal) takes 10-14 days between infection and outbreak. You can also report the pet shop to the local authorities for selling infected pets; that is usually the most efffective way, especially if they refuse a refund.

Please be aware that ringworm is the single more transmittable infection that can pass between all mammals. You need to practise good hygiene in order to prevent infecting yourself and a return of the ringworm. It is a pain, but it is really worth doing it to get rid of it once and for all!
You also need to give your other companion a fungicidal dip or bath in order to prevent an outbreak. If you do that as specified in our ringworm guide (i.e. at the beginning of the outbreak, the end of the acute phase and the end of the subsequent 2 weeks quarantine), you can leave your two girls together; which is much less stressful on them than a separation, especially in view of their young age. Please note that the fungal spot has to get quite a bit worse before it gets better as it has already affected a larger area than visible and has to run its due course. With prompt treatment, you should however be able to get on top of the acute phase in about a week to ten days.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures
Guinea Lynx :: Fungus

Thank you so much for all this information. I've made an appointment at the vet for later today. I'm going to buy a transport-box now, I feel so horrible for having to haul her all the way there... skittish as she is.. Anyways, thanks again!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for all this information. I've made an appointment at the vet for later today. I'm going to buy a transport-box now, I feel so horrible for having to haul her all the way there... skittish as she is.. Anyways, thanks again!

Please take both piggies; it is much less stressful for them!
Here is our guide: Tips For Vet Visits

 

[merel]

Please take both piggies; it is much less stressful for them!
Here is our guide: Tips For Vet Visits

I will, thank you! One more question, what bedding is more hygienic? Right now I have very fine beech-wood flakes from happyhome, but perhaps towels and fleece (with regular washings) are cleaner? Especially as I'm not going to seperate them...

 

[Tiamolly123]

Hi & Welcome to our forum, that is one gorgeous piggie