• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

They Just Will Not Listen!

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

Guinea-pigGaga

Teenage Guinea Pig
Joined
Jun 30, 2009
Messages
817
Reaction score
165
Points
400
Location
Middlesex
Hello again!

Just a quick visit, as I would like your opinions on the guinea pig in the following image, as my relatives, and veterinarian will not listen to me: What is the cause of the hair loss?!

image.webp
 
Thank you for your replies!

I noticed that this guinea pig had developed a minor fungal skin infection on Wednesday, and immediately informed my relatives that the guinea pig in question would require veterinary treatment - Imaverol and/or Itrafungol etc. . . -; that the environment/housing would have to be treated with either a dilute bleach solution, or appropriate disinfectant; and that the condition is highly contagious, and, therefore, handling should be kept to a minimum, and strict/good hygiene practices should be continued/implemented etc. . . !

However, despite booking an appointment with my veterinary practice, and offering to pay/treat the animal myself, I have received no support from my relatives, or the veterinarian!

However, the veterinarian wanted to treat for mites, and to take a hair/skin sample from the infected area to be sent for a culture, both of which I feel are unnecessary, and will delay recovery! Regardless, the veterinarian did not have the appropriate medication to treat for a fungal skin infection, and stated that they would not prescribed such treatment anyhow, as they are not convinced that the hair loss is due to fungus - Rather that the guinea pig has mites, or simply damaged itself!

However, as I have been made to feel like a complete imbecile, and told that I am being 'OTT', other than showing my relatives your replies, I really am not willing to invest anymore time, energy, or effort, or any of my finances, attempting to help this guinea pig!
 
@Wiebke: I actually use two veterinary practices - The one I used this morning, I use primarily for emergencies, as it is much closer than the other practice (The other practice has a cavy-savvy veterinarian, and is listed on 'The Guinea Pig Forum's Recommended Vet Locator')!

However, I know that my relatives will not be prepared to make the journey to have the above guinea pig examined by my cavy-savvy veterinarian - At least not until the above guinea pig's condition has worsened (I would not be given permission to take the above guinea pig myself)!

However, I understand that the veterinarian I saw this morning, has called this evening, and is willing to prescribe an antifungal treatment - Whether the treatment is appropriate, I am unsure at this stage. . . I am inclined to phone the main branch tomorrow morning, and to discuss/insist on fungal treatment. . . However, I fear that I will be treated unfavourably, due to my relative's comments this morning!
 
You are standing up for a helpless piggy, so for that well done! Wishing you all the best! ;)
 
urg how frustrating. Completely not helpful or productive but I am stubborn and awkward at times so I would be tempted to rub the area on a relatives skin and then when they develop ringworm say "I told you so" but like I said, completely unproductive and very harsh lol
 
@helen105281 / @Wiebke - Just finished talking to the receptionist at the veterinary practice, and discovered that the veterinarian I saw the other morning will prescribe Itrafungol. . . However, I am quite surprised by the cost - Would either of you be able to provide a rough estimation as to the price range of Itrafungol, and/or Imaverol?!
 
I hope your pig gets better soon! Sorry to be quite off topic - but does anyone know the symptoms of fungal problems? My Porche has had white specks on her fur for as long as I can remember and they have never bothered her - however, I have recently noticed her fur is falling out when being petted (not much at all) and she seems to squeak when I pet her, especially in the opposite direction. She has no noticeable hairloss so I know it's not ringworm. I may invest in some malaseb and see if that helps, she isn't particularly an itchy pig either.
 
If you start a thread and post some photos we can have a look for you. It could even be skin debris from mange mites.
 
helen105281 said:
If you start a thread and post some photos we can have a look for you. It could even be skin debris from mange mites.
Click to expand...

That seems like a better idea! ;). I shall take photo's tomorrow and start a new thread. I've heard it's normal for piggies to squeak when you brush their fur in the opposite direction anyway, is that correct? she isn't keen on being petted but loves her chin rubs.

I've also just noticed that malaseb is a prescription shampoo!
 
I think it can be normal for some pigs.

Yes you would need to get it from the vets. It would be a good idea to get her checked out anyway.
 
Hi, I have caught ringworm from my poorly baby boars and I honestly would not wish this nasty irritating and sore fungal infection on anyone it's driving me crazy it's so itchy but I know not to scratch it for fear of it spreading and taking longer to heal the only relief I get is from the fab cream the doctor gave me but it soon starts itching again :( I hope you get your piggy better soon and if it's ringworm then treatment ASAP is key before everyone catches it. I didn't know my new piggies had ringworm when I got then and as clean and fussy as I am I still caught it, I hope your relatives help you and your lovely piggy.
P.s itrafungol cost me £58.24 that was from my vet @Guinea-pigGaga
Kell x
 
UPDATE:

I am pleased to report that the above guinea pig has been prescribed a course of Itrafungol - And that I will be treating the above guinea pig!

It appears that individuals will listen. . . Eventually!
 
Fab news :) I hope your piggy improves quickly thanks for the update. Here's a pic of how nasty ringworm can be thankfully I only have this one patch it still looks nasty and sore and I've been putting the cream on it many times a day for the last week, it may make those individuals think quicker about getting your piggy sorted sooner should this happen again :)
 

Attachments

  • image.webp
    image.webp
    25.5 KB · Views: 6
This looks like a crested cavy to me. The hair forms a coronet or rosette on the top of head & is part of the breed. If the skin in the area is clean & looks normal then all should be well.
 
hi, yes I can see that now. photo wasn't clear for me before so i didn't spot it. Thanks for pointing it out.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top