Hair Loss My guinea pig has lost hair. Help

[Arkson_2010]

Two weeks ago I noticed my guinea pig had lost a quite a bit of hair on her back. I booked an appointment with the vet and took her to it. The vet gave her an injection and prescribed an anti biotic assuming it might have been a fungal infection. The medicine has nearly run out and emailed the vet again. Her hair does not seem to have gotten better and therw might have even been more bald patches.

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

The large hair patch loss in a v shape indicates that she has mites. Is your vet an exotic vet? The v pattern is from the way she twists, to chew herself because she is itchy.

If your vet is not an exotic vet (not a small animal vet) Then go to a different one. She needs treatment for mites, but you can get that over the counter at a pet store. Kitten Revolution is what you want, not regular Revolution. There are threads here that detail how to administer the medication. I cannot advise you, I have never used it.

 

[bpatters]

I'd definitely look for another vet, preferably exotic.

As @Guinea Pig Papa says, that hair loss pattern defines a mite infection. Second, you never treat a fungal infection with an antibiotic -- it will just make it worse. Fungi love antibiotics -- it's a like a steak dinner for them.

You can use kitten revolution, or Ivermectin. There are directions for both in the Medical section.

 

[Arkson_2010]

Hye guys the evt just replied. He said the injection was for ivermectin.

 

[Arkson_2010]

Hye guys the evt just replied. He said the injection was for ivermectin.

And I was wrong about him thinking it was a fungal infection. Mb

 

[bpatters]

That's a relief. Treating a fungal infection with an antibiotic would be an awfully stupid mistake for any vet to make.

 

[Arkson_2010]

I noticed her nipples have some crusty stuff on them. Is that an issue? My other pig doesn't.

 

[ItsaZoo]

Usually the ivermectin treatment for mites is more than one dose. I would see if the vet wants to follow up with another treatment.

Also check with the vet regarding the crusty nipples. This might be a skin condition, like fungus or dry skin. But it is also a symptom of ovarian cysts. Another symptom of cysts is hair loss along her sides behind her ribs.

 

[Arkson_2010]

Usually the ivermectin treatment for mites is more than one dose. I would see if the vet wants to follow up with another treatment.

Also check with the vet regarding the crusty nipples. This might be a skin condition, like fungus or dry skin. But it is also a symptom of ovarian cysts. Another symptom of cysts is hair loss along her sides behind her ribs.

Thanks, I've booked another appointment in a week and I'll speak to him about it then.

 

[ItsaZoo]

Good luck. I hope this clears up.