Hair Loss Guinea pig has bald patches. Help.

[Brinda_]

Hey there. I have had my two guinea pigs for over three years. Today while petting them I noticed both of them have these bald patches on their sides. I am only 15 and take care of the gp all by myself so I am really freaking out right now. I don't think I can afford to go to vet but I am willing to try if the problem is serious. I read that this might be the cause of ringworms or mites but I just wanna be sure before I do anything. Please please help me out.

 

[bpatters]

It's definitely not ringworm, and it's almost certainly not mites. Do they scratch a lot?

That hair loss pattern is classic for ovarian cysts, and they do need a vet visit.

 

[peanny77]

It's definitely not ringworm, and it's almost certainly not mites. Do they scratch a lot?

That hair loss pattern is classic for ovarian cysts, and they do need a vet visit.

Peanut had that hair loss pattern when she was pregnant...

 

[Brinda_]

It's definitely not ringworm, and it's almost certainly not mites. Do they scratch a lot?

That hair loss pattern is classic for ovarian cysts, and they do need a vet visit.

Is there anything that I can do for her at home itself? Because the nearest vet clinic is over 50 miles away and almost all roads are closed due to the pandemic. But I will still try. Please let me know if I can do something for her at home by myself.

 

[Brinda_]

Oh! And no they don't scratch a lot. I observed her today and she only cleaned herself a couple of times. But never vigorously scratched herself.

 

[bpatters]

Ovarian cysts can't be treated at home. And roads aren't closed due to the pandemic.

I know it's tough when you are still a kid and don't have much money. But the health of your pigs is your responsibility, and medical care is just as much a part of taking care of them as food and housing. Can you arrange to borrow money? Or do some odd jobs to make some money? If not, your best bet might be to surrender them to a rescue who can get them the medical care they need.

Surgery is the only sure fix for ovarian cysts. Some can be treated with hormone injections, but those are also pretty expensive and they may only work for a few months. Untreated ovarian cysts can rupture and the pig can die from internal bleeding.

 

[Brinda_]

Ovarian cysts can't be treated at home. And roads aren't closed due to the pandemic.

I know it's tough when you are still a kid and don't have much money. But the health of your pigs is your responsibility, and medical care is just as much a part of taking care of them as food and housing. Can you arrange to borrow money? Or do some odd jobs to make some money? If not, your best bet might be to surrender them to a rescue who can get them the medical care they need.

Surgery is the only sure fix for ovarian cysts. Some can be treated with hormone injections, but those are also pretty expensive and they may only work for a few months. Untreated ovarian cysts can rupture and the pig can die from internal bleeding.

I don't think you know the condition here in India where I live. The area where the clinic is has many covid-19 cases and there's been a strict guideline so as I said “almost” all roads are closed . There are also no rescue centers around who take exotic pets since the doctors here are not specialised in their treatment. I got them from a pet store owner who didn't even know what they were and was keeping them in a rabbit cage, I just felt bad and had to get them.

But the problem seems really serious so I will ask my parents to take them to the vet. Thank you, you've been a great help!

 

[ItsaZoo]

You might check with the vet clinic to see if they can do a video appointment to start with. You will most likely still have to get an actual appointment at the clinic, but they would be able to advise you on options and be more prepared when you get there. I’m wishing you all the best!

 

[bpatters]

Sorry, didn't realize you are in India. There are lots of things closed here in the U.S., but roads aren't one of them.