Pinkish Skin

[Maisy]

Hi Hi,
Recently I see my two pigs keep scratching and 'biting' themselves (bending their heads underneath towards their privates), esp. underneath. Then today I held them up n saw their tummy area n below slightly sore (as in can see their pinkish skin already) and I know they are losing hair! I am so worried this will get worse. Is it fungus or mites that are causing this?? However, when I tried to check for those tiny black spots on their white fur, I cant see any. Can anyone recommend what you use to apply on the bald patches on their bodies? To help hair growth & get rid of the fungus? Can tea tree oil be effective? Would U apply directly at the bald area? What if they lick the oil?

[Jane_G]

A visit to the vet is probably your best bet. They will know exactly what to do.

Good luck.

[Ly&Pigs]

bending their heads underneath towards their privates

You do realize they do this to get fresh ceceal poo from their bums to eat it.

But if there is hairloss and scratching, your best bet would be to take them to the vet to get checked to see if it's fungus or mites.

[PigPal123]

Excessive scratching is an indicator of mites. I just went to the vet with my piggy, Sparky. He had abraded skin that the vet tested for mites with a skin scraping. Sparky was not a fan of the skin scraping nor the shot of ivermectin he received, but catching the mites early could prevent a recurrent or chronic infection. It's spendy though, so be prepared for the bill to be upwards of $80 for the exam and medication and there's a follow-up shot $20. But Sparky is a much happier and cuddlier pig.

[Maisy]

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

You do realize they do this to get fresh ceceal poo from their bums to eat it.

But if there is hairloss and scratching, your best bet would be to take them to the vet to get checked to see if it's fungus or mites.

yes I am aware of that. But I can see that they were not reaching out for fresh poo.

[i-love-nev]

Originally Posted by PigPal123

. He had abraded skin that the vet tested for mites with a skin scraping.

May I just add here - a skin scraping may not rule out mites unless the mites are in the skin scraping or the mites are leaving bacteria/infection/dirt behind.

[Ziggy&Herald]

As I-love-ned pointed out More then likely, there will not be mites in the scraping even though they might have them. I would rule out fungal infection first, then treat for the mites. Skin scrapings just cause pain, and are mostly inaccurate. Also, you should consider if you recently changed bedding types. Maybe that could be irritating.

[Maisy]

I havent changed their bedding. I am afraid that they peed on the fleece and they laid on the damp fleece. Hence that condition accelerate fungus or mites.

[Ziggy&Herald]

Urine can scald or burn their skin, but I think they have to really sit in it for days to weeks for this to happen, and I'm sure you keep your cage pretty clean, so I don't think I would worry about that, but I do think it could definately lead to a fungal infection if they were just lazy and laid in the spots they peed in. Have you tried to give them a good bath to see if that soothes the skin? I have also heard of the tea tree oil to soothe, maybe you can try that. And yes, I believe you do apply it to the skin.

[Maisy]

Originally Posted by Ziggy&Herald

Urine can scald or burn their skin, but I think they have to really sit in it for days to weeks for this to happen, and I'm sure you keep your cage pretty clean, so I don't think I would worry about that, but I do think it could definately lead to a fungal infection if they were just lazy and laid in the spots they peed in. Have you tried to give them a good bath to see if that soothes the skin? I have also heard of the tea tree oil to soothe, maybe you can try that. And yes, I believe you do apply it to the skin.

Hi yes, I just bathed them yesterday. Will take note if any chances. I applied the tea tree oil only to the back of their necks. If I put on their belly area where they can reach, Would licking it harm them?

[Ziggy&Herald]

The Peter Gurney Guinea Pig Pages - Skin problems.

You can try this site. It's kinda hard to understand, but what I take from it is you apply it directly to the skin that is affected. But, I don't feel comfortable telling you "Yes, it's OK if they swallow it", because i'm not too sure. All I can say is to research other sites as well and maybe someone on here has personally tried it and they can tell you more. Hope the link works. Good Luck.