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Storm

Phoenix

Phoenix

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jan 1, 2019
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Location
Rugby, UK
My piggy, Storm, is not well.
A while ago we took her to the vet and they said she had mites. I don't think she really knew what she was talking about but she gave us mite treatment and and it started to go down but about a week ago it got worse. Yesterday we went to the vet again and saw someone who I think actually did know what they were talking about because he took one look and re-diagnosed her as having ringworm and possibly mites too. He also said that she possibly has vitamin C deficiency so we have started feeding a lot more things with vitamin C in it hoping that she would be fine. She also has been losing weight rapidly because about a week ago she weighed a kilo. A few days ago she weighed 850g and now she's 760g.That's when we realised she isn't eating either. She doesn't eat any of the veggies apart from a few nibbles of a piece of lettuce and hardly eats any of the pellets. When I give her treats she grabs them and runs off but then leaves them on the floor. The final thing the vet said was that it could be something more serious like liver disease and if it's that then there's nothing we can do for her. Is there anything you would do to help? I'm just really worried.
 
Hmmm it sounds as though the vet has just listed several diagnosis' without actually telling you what it is. The weight loss is pretty significant with there often only being little fluctuation. Whereabouts are you located?

What exactly is it that made you think mites in the first instance? Is she scratching alot or has her fur got patches/flaky skin or seemingly parasites? Could you maybe upload a picture. Obviously we cannot say for sure what it is but with a picture could perhaps help to see what it might be likely you're dealing with.

I know that to try and encourage weight gain you could try oats as these often help fatten piggies up... however theyre not always a piggie favourite so even mixed in with their usual pellets or in a mash could work.

Did the vet examine her teeth?
 
I'm thinking teeth as well. Purely for the fact that when you said she takes veg and runs off then leaves it. This tells me the appetite is all there but can't eat.

See if you can feed grass.

Northampton cat and rabbit care clinic is one of the best vets in The country for dental problems. If you can get there, you will be on a winner
 
The first vet did but I'm not sure if I entirely trust her. I can't remember if the last vet did. I thought of teeth too and I can't see anything wrong but I don't know what to look for.
She has eaten some things. I just fed her some orange and she is nibbling her way through a segment. It's a clementine orange so it's small though.IMG_20190809_135018.webpIMG_20190809_135013.webp

That's the worst patch. She's also lost all the hair under her body
 
Well the fact she's lost hair on the face rules out self barbering and id say it certainly looks like she's got a mite problem with a spot on that should clear up. The mites could be causing her discomfort which could also be reason for her not eating...however I wouldn't rule out teeth still. What did the vet prescribed when they thought mites?
 
Ivermectin. The last vet, who said she had ringworm instead, said that canasten cream was the best thing for it even though it's not for guinea pigs. The stuff he can prescribe is more expensive and doesn't work as well
 
If it's Ringworm she needs more than Canasten. She needs to see a Cavy savvy vet asap, I suspect the vets you have seen so far aren't. Here is a link to the Ringworm thread Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures I am sure one of the health experts will be along soon to give you more advice. I do hope your girl gets better soon.
 
In the meantime, with the weight loss, I would be syringe feeding to top her up. If it is ringworm though, you may need to be careful how you go about it as this will increase your contact with her. The ringworm thread has some advice on keeping yourself uninfected.
 
Phoenix said:
Storm has died
Click to expand...
I'm very sorry for your sad sad news. I haven't commented before this, but had a read of what was going on to see if I had anything to add to help. Take care x

The quality of life you gave your pig was so much better than half the petshop bought pigs get. Just think of that 🙂
 
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