My male guinea pig, Gus, is losing his hair in patches from 1/4 inch to two inches. he now has three patches, one on both of his back legs, one on the top and there in a new spot that is beginning to bald. I have had guinea him for three years now so he is not a young sprite. i have tried lotions, anti-fungal cream, and bactine once and awhile, but it doesn't seem to help. he does like to groom is back legs a lot and Hera, my dominant female, grooms him too. is this over-grooming, diet, fungus, or some sort of flea, tick, mite or whatever?
2007-09-30 18:42:56 · 4 answers · asked by lordessgoosie 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Make sure he is getting enough vitamin C. With such extensive hair loss a visit to your friendly exotic pet vet is in order. Your piggie needs proper diagnosis to distinguish whether this is fungal, infectious, or parasitic. Are he and Hera, together? If so and she does not display any symptoms it could be her chewing the hair off him. I have seen this, but usually the patches are not completely bald, just super short down to the skin. If it is a fungus or mite she may start losing hair too. Most exotic vets can give you information about using revolution for cats, off-label, for cavies. The dose is very small , and must be accurate though to be safe for the piggie. This takes care of mites. ANyway, if he were mine, he'd see the vet. Best wishes.
2007-09-30 18:53:00 · answer #1 · answered by NinjenWV 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Barbering / coat chewing is common, its a very annoying habit, if you think this is the cause of Gus's hair loss try wiping him with bitter apple solution this should deter Hera.
Most cases of Hair Loss is caused by mites/lice/fungal infections. These pests are often hard to see. Treatment must be repeated within 10 days to prevent any new hatchings. You will have to treat ALL the pigs at the same time to get rid of it.
In pregnant sows it can be a hormone inbalance, a supplement of vitamin B can help with hair regrowth.
Ivomectin: Injection (vet only) or orally 1-2 drops via mouth.
Frontline: (kitten/puppy) 1-2 drops on the bald spot behind their ear.
Fungal: Wash in medicated shampoo - Selsun Blue, Mane-N-Tail Pro-Tec, must be repeated within 7 days until it has cleared.
Ringworm: This is a type of fungal infection & is very infectious. Treat with Main-N-Tail Pro-Tec (horse shampoo) http://www.manentail.com/
Neem Oil: Neem Bug Free™ Flea Shampoo by Ark Naturals http://www.naturespet.com/flea.html
2007-09-30 20:34:02 · answer #2 · answered by melglen_stud 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might want to be many stuff: rigidity Dry pores and skin scuffling with inflammation ailment very few worry-free examples of what it might want to correctly be. Abyssinian Guinea Pig has the messy hair seem. the graceful Guinea Pig is an American Guinea Pig. effortless to google Guinea Pig pictures to ascertain the breed you've. This in turn might want to truly help your vet once you call in to discus your animal. certain. call your vet and characteristic both Pigs appeared at. Environmental topics and behavioral topics will want to be evaluated as well because the wellbeing topics the only pig has. perfect desires.
2016-10-20 04:13:37 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
guinea pigs need vitamin c daily in the form of fresh greens etc otherwise they soon get scurvy
2007-09-30 18:47:09 · answer #4 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋