Mange or fungal?

[Niclani]

My little girl has been sick for a few weeks and I'm not sure how long she can go...she was treated by the vet for mites first and with no improvement a week later I took her back feeling positive it was fungal. Vet checked with a black light and did a culture neither of which showed signs of mites or ringworm...I have treated her with fungal cream which seems to be clearing up her ears but the infection spread behind them and her hair is falling out in clumps. Is there a way to tell the difference? Both pics and descriptions fit her, she is full of crust with chunks of hair falling out but before this the skin swells and is very red and is full of whitish blisters and flakes. Tomorrow she will be given an oral fungal med to try since the cream worked and ivermectin did not...should I still do the ivermectin too? I don't want to pump her full of anything else if it won't help...she is sooo weak and won't eat as it is and she is kept on medicam for pain...any suggestions? Thank you!

 

[*becks*]

People with more knowledge may ask for pics but thought I would bump this up for you

 

[Abi_nurse]

So sorry your piggie is unwell. As your describe it certainly sounds like a fungal infection. I would still do the ivermectin I'm afraid as if there is any chance of a bad mite infection then she will need to be treated 3 times with the ivermectin treatment.

Are you syringe feeding her? As you described she isnt eating. Please ensure you are if not.

I would perhaps get a second opinion from another vet which is an exotic specialist. It sounds like your vet is covering all bases here and doing the best they can, but maybe a specialist will be more helpful, I'm not sure.

x.

 

[Hanwombat]

If she isn't eating then please start syringe feeding her to keep her digestive system functioning. Use critical care or even mash up her hard food, they need about 120ml a day to maintain their weight.

I'd always treat for both mites and fungal as you sometimes cannot be 100% sure, but please leave 48 hours between treatments.

Visit www.gorgeousguineas.com, their manuka and neem shampoo is very good for skin conditions and can help with the soreness.

 

[Hanwombat]

dp

 

[Niclani]

Thank you!

Thank you so much for the advice! I fed her baby food carrots and she didn't like it but she nibbles on some veggies if I push it in her mouth. I'm trying a new oral med tomorrow for fungal. My husband says I should have her put down but I still have hope although all her hair has fell out now on her head

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

if i were i your situation i would look for a second opinion by an exotic vet. hope you get answers and lil pig makes a full recovery

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

Niclani.

Please could you tell us where abouts you are so we can advice you better.
Please give us more information, weight of your piggy, age, does she live alone?
Please don't have her put to sleep if its fungal she can be treated, and lots of people on here can give you support.
Can you post a picture up too.
Are you going back to the vet today?

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

I have just looked on your other thread, and you were given good advice on there.
I hope you get the right treatment sorted for her today.

 

[Niclani]

Thank you!

:0Thank you so much for your support! I bought her in august from a local pet store, she was a baby. since she has been sick she weighs .7kgs I think? I saw her and just knew she would make a perfect pet for my special needs students at work. They love her to much! It got real cold in my room so I took her home where she has been since before Thanksgiving but she just became ill two weeks ago. I clean everything daily and I give her fresh food and water daily. The vet checked with a black light and took a culture and viewed it under a scope...all tests for ringworn, mites or any type of bacteria came back negative. I only have one small dog and he does not appear to have anything yet. I have been trying all the things we can and she just keeps looking worse but then today she oinked at me and it has been so long since I have heard that, she is eating more and seems a little more active, yet it continues to spread and her hair is falling out and I don't know where I am supposed to say enough is enough and let her be in peace....i don't want to give up on her because it just seems like such a simple fix. I will try to post pics, i have been having trouble wish that but under her ear it is so swollen and all the hair fell out