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New Pigs Hair Loss

L

lumu

New Born Pup
Joined
Mar 12, 2021
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Location
Amsterdam
Hi there,

I got 2 new G pigs about 3 weeks ago, 2 weeks ago one of them developed a scab on her nose. The place where I got them said it was probably mites so they treated her for that (and the other one, peach). Now the Peach also has some hair loss around her eye.

I have done some research and it seems it could be either yes mites or fungal/ ring worm. I just applied coconut oil on the scabs and one of the pigs has now been quite standoffish with the other, going to the corner of the cage and making slightly aggressive noises when she approaches (also scared of me and humans). Is this something extra to worry about? They are eating and drinking as normal and seemed playful (before the oil application), maybe I need to give them a few hours to calm down?

I would rather treat them with any recommended home remedies but I am avoiding going to the vets due to large fees but if this is something critical of-course I will bring them. So far I have used mite treatment and just this morning applied coconut oil on the patches of hair that is lost. So far these are small areas (one pig on the nose and the other on the eye).I'm not sure how to insert a photo but I have some available.


Any advice would be much appreciated thank you.



Lucy
 
I just wanted to add that I can hear one of them squeek randomly (doesn't sound like the normal squeek squeek for food, more like 1 loud one)
 
lumu said:
Hi there,

I got 2 new G pigs about 3 weeks ago, 2 weeks ago one of them developed a scab on her nose. The place where I got them said it was probably mites so they treated her for that (and the other one, peach). Now the Peach also has some hair loss around her eye.

I have done some research and it seems it could be either yes mites or fungal/ ring worm. I just applied coconut oil on the scabs and one of the pigs has now been quite standoffish with the other, going to the corner of the cage and making slightly aggressive noises when she approaches (also scared of me and humans). Is this something extra to worry about? They are eating and drinking as normal and seemed playful (before the oil application), maybe I need to give them a few hours to calm down?

I would rather treat them with any recommended home remedies but I am avoiding going to the vets due to large fees but if this is something critical of-course I will bring them. So far I have used mite treatment and just this morning applied coconut oil on the patches of hair that is lost. So far these are small areas (one pig on the nose and the other on the eye).I'm not sure how to insert a photo but I have some available.


Any advice would be much appreciated thank you.



Lucy
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome

Please do not home treat on spec and see your vet for a proper diagnosis and vet grade treatment. You can reclaim any vet fees from the pet shop/seller who has sold you what is in effect damaged ware as part your legally ensured customer rights. doing it right will save your piggies months of unnecessary suffering and will be ultimately cheaper than what you are spending on ineffective products.
Here is more information on your customer rights.
Please also be aware that skin parasites and fungal infection require different treatment and that ringworm can be transmitted to and from humans and other species pets. The inivisible spores can stay live for up to around 2 years to make a comeback unless you do apply proper hygiene and better home treatment than dabbing a little cream on an affective spot, leaving the spores free to spread to other parts of the body to cause new outbreaks.
Mis- or undertreated mange mites can cause an agonising slow death months down the line and are much more expensive to treat when you finally see a vet with an advanced case, having wasted all that money on inefficient low dosed pet shop products that are not geared to deal with an acute case and made the shop who sold you infected piggies in the first place very happy. By that time, they are also legally no longer obliged to pay. We have seen enough sagas caused by false economy over the years.
Here is more important information on your customer rights and the most common pitfalls that come with newly bought guinea pigs: New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

Please save up for vet fees as part of your weekly/monthly maintenance. The freedom from pain and suffering, which includes the right to medical care is one of the legally acknowledged 5 basic animal rights in your country, too. There are no cheap pets unfortunately; the cheapest thing about guinea pigs is the buying fee. With an average healthy life span of 5-7 years in good care, you are bound to end up at the vet's sooner or later, more likely as an emergency. It is much better to be prepared for that.
A guide to vets fees, insurance and payment support.
 
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