Scab on guinea pig nose

[Nicjones99]

Hi there, I'm new to this forum - and guinea pigs in general.. just wondering if anyone can advise what this scab might be on my guinea pig's nose and whether I need to take her to the vet. She seems quite happy and is eating, drinking and acting normal. Thanks

 

[Merrypigs Sanctuary]

It looks like it may be cheilitis! It can have lots of causes, such as fungus/bacteria or eating too much acidic food. Your best bet is to visit your vet, so they can determine the cause and give you the right treatment
(Edit: typo)

 

[Flutterby]

Definitely needs a vet trip to get cleared up. Sending healing vibes, your piggy is a cutie!

 

[Nicjones99]

Thanks guys, I thought maybe it was cheilitis. I read somewhere that you can treat it with over-the-counter anti fungal medication such as Nilstat. Does anyone have any experience of this? Thanks again x

 

[Gem789]

Thanks guys, I thought maybe it was cheilitis. I read somewhere that you can treat it with over-the-counter anti fungal medication such as Nilstat. Does anyone have any experience of this? Thanks again x

I would recommend a vet visit, then you’ll get the correct treatment x

 

[Nicjones99]

It's just that I've been to the vet so much with these guinea pigs (they're only 14 weeks old and already one had a sore foot requiring 2 visits, the other had an abscess - vet said we're not doing anything wrong just bad luck), it's costing me a small fortune. I will take her if I have to but if an over-the-counter treatment is available that would be preferable. My husband is seriously unimpressed by how much our pigs are costing!

 

[VickiA]

I’m sorry but we can’t recommend treating on spec. Even if we wanted to, we cannot legally make a diagnosis by photograph. You need a formal diagnosis from a vet following physical examination who will then prescribe you the correct treatment. Most OTC medication is of inadequate strength to treat conditions properly.
If it is cheilitis then stopping giving fruit will help. The acids in fruit can exacerbate the problem.

Please let us know how you get on at the vets.

 

[Nicjones99]

I thought that would be the case - I'm resigned to yet another vet trip (3 in the past week). Thank you though for your advice, it's the sensible thing to do

 

[VickiA]

I feel for you. However piggies are stressy creatures. Any major change can bring on stress in them and then lower their resistance/immunity to illness or conditions. I half expect problems each time I get a new piggy - stress induced mites, urinary and respiratory infections have been some of the reasons for my own trips to the vets in the past. I’m sure things will improve in time.

 

[fanniephina]

I'm sorry for the recurrent vet visits for this little one. It was a surprise to us too so we keep a bit aside each week (I do finances in the house so usually I just take it out and tell hubby it's put aside for emergencies [which he's understanding is for as much piggy doc as kids :-)]. Sometimes these little types of scabs or bacteria can happen more then once or spread and you'd probably be better prepared if you started off with the vet. Usually our vet doesn't charge much if there's something we've talked about or I've been in for and just will call in meds or give them to me to pick up. Vets do understand about the expenses for these little ones and try to help as much as they can.

Adorable baby; that is a very cute nose :-). Best of luck and hoping much less stress soon for both of you.