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Weight loss and hair loss?

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starshark

starshark

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Hello, this is my first post here, I figured a forum dedicated to my favourite pets would be of better use to me than other sites, and even after some thorough googling, I still don't have a full answer that satisfies me.

My sow Machiatto is somewhere between a year and 2 years old, and for the past while I've been noticing a great deal of hair loss and now weight loss. The hair loss is concentrated on both of her sides just under her ribs, as well as on the backs of her legs by her rump. Her nipples are also crusty and look rather large in comparison to my older sow. She doesn't have any scabs, her eyes are clear and bright, and she doesn't have hair loss anywhere else. She's always been on the small side, but her overall size is very thin and when I pet her I can feel ribs.

She eats and drinks normally, and always has plenty of fresh pellets in her bowl when I'm not giving her fruits and veggies. She also hasn't shown signs of being in any pain anywhere or make discomforted noises when I cuddle her.

I've tried changing her diet and giving her more fresh fruits and veggies. I've made sure to have vitamin c in her diet. And I've taken her to the vet as well.

The vet at the time said that the hair loss could be contributed to hormones, boredom, allergies, or what I've seen cavy owners and experts call barbering. He gave her an allergy shot as well as an antibacterial shot, and a topical ointment for her nipples. It hasn't seemed to work and I'm getting very worried.

She hasn't been pregnant, ever.

I do notice when I try to socialize her with my other sow, Machiatto makes it very clear she wants to be the dominant, though the other, Mochi, will have none of it. They haven't gotten into any fights, I've made sure of it, but they display the signs of a dominance struggle and, on Mochi's side, a general distaste for the other. So I've been keeping them in separate cages.

Other than the weight loss and hair loss, Machiatto has been acting normal, and Mochi is very healthy, albeit a bit chubby, and acts perfectly fine as well.

If it is just her hormones acting up (the vet mentioned she might be in heat?) then how long is that supposed to last? Because this has been going on for quite a few months.

Hopefully one of you can help me better than the vet could!
 
That sounds pretty much like a classic case of ovarian cysts. I would also recommend finding a cavy savvy vet as yours doesn't sound that clued up on pigs. When my piggie had cysts, she had two hormone injections 10 days apart and that sorted her out. Depending on the severity or persistence of the cysts you may find more injections help, or as a last resort a spay will solve the problem permanently.

Hopefully some one will find the link for the list of cavy savvy vets, as I'm not sure where it is.
 
Bilateral hairloss, crusty nipples and weightless are all indicative of ovarian cysts.

These can be treated by a good vet...the earlier they're caught, the better in terms of treatment. I'd strongly advise seeing another vet, one experienced in exotics or guinea pigs. As already mentioned, if you give us your approximate location, no doubt someone can recommend a tried and tested vet for you!

Welcome to the forum :)
 
Thanks for the info. I had a feeling it was cysts, but this vet was definitely not clued in.

I happen to be in Southern California in the US, and I will definitely be looking into a new vet. Machiatto thanks everyone for being so caring!
 
If you have a zoo or a small animal shelter near by, it may be worth asking them if they can recommend somewhere?
 
Guinea pigs are classed as exotic pets, so looking for an exotics specialist would be a good idea.
 
Wiebke said:
Guinea pigs are classed as exotic pets, so looking for an exotics specialist would be a good idea.
Click to expand...

Suzygpr said:
Hopefully you can find a suitable vet from this list (source: Guinea Lynx )

http://www.guinealynx.info/cabinet/index.php/Veterinarians_California

If not, this is another listing, though the vets may not be experienced in guinea pigs.
http://www.vetworld.com/vetusa/california.html

HTH

Suzy x
Click to expand...

Amanda1801 said:
If you have a zoo or a small animal shelter near by, it may be worth asking them if they can recommend somewhere?
Click to expand...

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions. I did see one vet that was cavy specialized and was at least somewhat close.

I had the feeling like this was serious, it just makes me feel a little more secure that my gut feeling was right, so now I can seek treatment for her. I just wanted to check with people who knew what they were talking about before I tried another vet again.
 
Just an update:

I found a vet that does have experience in piggies and does research before each case, and the lady I talked to on the phone did ask for detail on what was wrong with my girl, so they know I've come to you guys for help (although it irritated me when the first thing she said was "you can't trust everything that's online" as if I hadn't been doing my research) and they also know I went to a previous vet.

She's got an appointment on Monday morning now, so here's crossing my fingers.
 
It does sound very much like Ovarian cysts, but while initially it is frighting, dont worry too much about it, definitely see a vet for a definite diagnosis, they should be able to feel them, though they may want to do an ultrasound, but there are treatments for it, hormone implants, injections and as a last resort spaying. One of my girls Minnie has ovarian cysts, she has had them now for a year or so, Our vet advised not to do anything about it while it isn't effecting her, she is closely monitored and they have not grown in size, my vet actually has her own piggies and one of hers has had ovarian cysts for 4 + years without treatment and she is still very well, healthy and active. I am not trying to tell you not to have anything done, your vet will advise the best course of action for you, and you will do the right thing by your piggy, but i hope that i have somehow made you feel better about it.

xx
 
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