Large Bald Areas?

[snuffles]

Hey.my guinea pig has these large bald areas on his stomach chest most of his sides and some of his rump.
At first I was not worried but as the areas grew larger it did not seem normal at all.
He has been scratching himself occasionally and he has some scabs that are peeling off.
My GP is black and white and one thing I can't explain (I can't explain the rest but I totally don't understand this) is that the skin is white in some areas and in some its white but with brown lines that look a bit like wrinkles. I know I should bring him to the vet(which I probably will) but I would also like to know what you think the problem is.
And if any of you live in the UK, do you think I could get an appointment and treatment If need be for around £45-£50
Thanks

 

[sport_billy]

He needs the vet, I would expect you could certainly get an apt at that price.

Two cavy savy vets below

• Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital
  Nadene Stapleton
  Royal College Street
  Camden
  London, London NW1 0TU
  020 7387 8134
  www.rvc.ac.uk/BAH/BSAH-vet-in-camden.cfm
  
  
• 
  C J Hall Vets
  Matthew Fiddes
  15 Temple Sheen Rd
  London
  Greater London, SW14 7PY
  02088769696
  

 

[Wiebke]

Hey.my guinea pig has these large bald areas on his stomach chest most of his sides and some of his rump.
At first I was not worried but as the areas grew larger it did not seem normal at all.
He has been scratching himself occasionally and he has some scabs that are peeling off.
My GP is black and white and one thing I can't explain (I can't explain the rest but I totally don't understand this) is that the skin is white in some areas and in some its white but with brown lines that look a bit like wrinkles. I know I should bring him to the vet(which I probably will) but I would also like to know what you think the problem is.
And if any of you live in the UK, do you think I could get an appointment and treatment If need be for around £45-£50
Thanks

Hi! In many urban centres there are now "no frills" vets chains like vets4pets, to name just one. Please google for your area. You have to be aware that non frills clinics use general vets, whose knowledge of guinea pigs can be minimal.

It is important that you see a vet fo a diagnosis and some good quality products. Your guinea pig has either got a fungal skin infection (the most aggressive and transmittable form is ringworm) or mites (mange mites or hay mites; untreated mange mites can kill; mites are no visible to the naked eye). With the correct treatment and if seen promptly, none of these problems will ever get past nuisance level. The longer you wait, the longer the treatment and the higher the cost.
Please do not treat on spec with cheap, low dosed broad spectrum shop products. They won't heal and will just prolong the suffering. If the problem arises within 2 weeks of your buying a pet from a shop, you can reclaim any vet cost from the pet shop, as exposure must have happened at the shop; after that, the shop will no longer pay out.

Please set aside some money each week towards a vet fund. Illness and emergencies NEVER happen at a good time, but serious illness can cost you hundreds of pounds. Sadly, far too many people buy guinea pigs without thinking about any hidden cost.

 

[VickiA]

Please get him to a vet as soon as you can. Vets 4 Pets are easily accessible and reasonably priced. You need a proper diagnosis by a vet and treatment at the correct strength (only available from a vet).

 

[snuffles]

thanks I'll call the vet tomorrow morning to make an appointment.