Possible Fungal Infection?

[ruthi]

Hi all noticed this dry patch on bella during lap time on Thursday, took her to the vets on Friday, to be honest they weren't entirely sure what it was. I'm guessing it is more fungal than mites, the vet gave me fucithalmic eye suspension to put on it twice daily. Is this a good treatment for fungal infections in piggies? She's not bothered by it at all and is well otherwise. I can't see any mites but I'm aware that not all mites are visible to the human eye! Not sure whether to purchase some gorgeous guinea shampoos to use after treatment to see if it helps it coming back, what do you guys think?

 

[Wiebke]

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Hi all noticed this dry patch on bella during lap time on Thursday, took her to the vets on Friday, to be honest they weren't entirely sure what it was. I'm guessing it is more fungal than mites, the vet gave me fucithalmic eye suspension to put on it twice daily. Is this a good treatment for fungal infections in piggies? She's not bothered by it at all and is well otherwise. I can't see any mites but I'm aware that not all mites are visible to the human eye! Not sure whether to purchase some gorgeous guinea shampoos to use after treatment to see if it helps it coming back, what do you guys think?

Fucithalmic is NOT an antifungal; the active ingredient fucidic acid is classed as antibiotic. It is generally used with eye injuries and ulcers, but is occasionally topically used with injuries right next to the eye or in sensitive spots by some vets. it may slow down the fungal, but it is unlikely to heal it if the patch turns out to be fungal.

In case of fungal, we recommend imaverol/eniconazole dip, as it doesn't sting and doesn't affect the eye when used right next to it like some of the other topical fungal treatments do. you apply the dip in the recommended solution carefully with a cotton but and let it dry on the skin.

I agree that it looks rather fungal and it is in a typical spot for fungal infections; if it is, it should become clearer in the next 2-3 days. please be aware that not every fungal infection is ringworm; which is usually the only form of fungal that is tested for in a lab test.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures
Guinea Lynx :: Fungus

Mange mites are not visible to the eye, but they generally turn up on the back can cause the classic triangle of thinning hair starting from the middle of the back.

 

[ruthi]

Thank you @Wiebke I'm going to try and take her to a vet on the recommended vet list, I just had to take her to our local one with me being at work Friday. I was frightened of putting anything else on it until I knew for sure

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you @Wiebke I'm going to try and take her to a vet on the recommended vet list, I just had to take her to our local one with me being at work Friday. I was frightened of putting anything else on it until I knew for sure

It is often not easy to decide what a skin condition is in the very early stages (which is when good owners usually notice and have them seen by a vet straight away), so don't blame your local vet for going for a "safe" first aid patch-up option with the weekend looming.

I have had bald spots that appeared in pretty much the same spot on the shoulder of my teddy sisters 3 weeks apart, looking initially the same, only that one turned out to be ringworm and the other mange mites once they developed further...

The next appointment should hopefully bring more clarity as whatever it is while it is running its due course.

 

[ruthi]

Luckily bella likes a fuss around her ear which is when I noticed and now the hair is standing away from it so I spotted it! I'll keep a close eye her and get it checked as soon as I can next week, thank you!