Parasites Dark specks and hair loss in Guinea pig: what pest?

Has speeches on her fur? Do you mean specks?

Dark flecks usually mean fleas. Whitish things stuck to the hair shaft mean lice. Mites are microscopic and burrow into the skin, but the scratching can cause both whitish and dark flecks in the hair.

Can you post a picture?

Hey- thank you for your reply!
i've attached some photos of her hair. When I gently combed through her hair with a regular lice comb, a lot of stuff came out including hair full hairs with what looks like black pigmented skin on the bottom. I've found some dark, very dry patches- could this possibly mean fungus?

Thank you

Sorry, I did mean specks.

I also went through her hair with a lice comb, and this is what it looked like afterwards:
Not sure if you can see everything properly, but I can put up another photo if you'd like. Since scavenging through her hair, I've also found these dark patches of dry skin with hair falling off, as mentioned in my other reply.

Those are the hairs, as well as the patch region. Pumpkin was taken to the vet today, but they didn't seem to find anything wrong with her except for a scab-like area near her ear which they say is from scratching, and did not give any more details into that. It is being treated with ilium dermotic. I couldn't add a photo into this reply unfortunately as there isn't enough space left.

I really hope this helps!

It looks like a fungal infection. I would go get it checked out by an exotic vet if possible. In the mean time cold pressed coconut oil or Lotramin ultra foot cream applied topically will help.

Actually, you probably don't need a vet for that. Try one of the antifungal shampoos listed here: https://www.guinealynx.info/fungus.html. They're available at any pharmacy. Just be sure to rinse well after bathing.

Saylavi said:

It looks like a fungal infection. I would go get it checked out by an exotic vet if possible. In the mean time cold pressed coconut oil or Lotramin ultra foot cream applied topically will help.

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Thanks, Saylavi! I'll be using the coconut oil as it is more natural

bpatters said:

Actually, you probably don't need a vet for that. Try one of the antifungal shampoos listed here: https://www.guinealynx.info/fungus.html. They're available at any pharmacy. Just be sure to rinse well after bathing.

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Thank you, I've taken a look at the website and I've decided to use Nizoral as it is easier to obtain: https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/69082/Nizoral-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-1-200mL. However, do I use it twice a week as instructed on the website? It seems like a lot of bathing for a guinea pig. I will also be using coconut oil after the baths.

Yes, you need to use it twice a week.

You don't need to use the coconut oil. It has some antifungal properties, but not as much as the shampoo. Once you've gotten it under control with the shampoo, you can try the coconut oil. But I think you'll find it makes the hair pretty greasy.

bpatters said:

Yes, you need to use it twice a week.

You don't need to use the coconut oil. It has some antifungal properties, but not as much as the shampoo. Once you've gotten it under control with the shampoo, you can try the coconut oil. But I think you'll find it makes the hair pretty greasy.

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Thank you so much!