Caterpig might have a skin issue

[MartiDavi]

Hey everyone! We've noticed a bit of a peculiar issue with one of our "Caterpig" ears. It appears to have a dry and hard texture, almost like a skin problem. Thankfully, Caterpig doesn't seem to be in any discomfort and is growing well. Since we already have a vet visit scheduled for Tuesday to check on Mia's heart, we're wondering if it's necessary to bring Caterpig along or if this might be something we could address at home. Of course, our priority is Caterpig's health, so any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. We don't mind taking her to the vet if needed. Thanks in advance for your support and suggestions!

 

[Lorcan]

I'd get it checked with a vet. If it turns out to be benign and something you can deal with at home then you'll know, and if it's something that requires more extensive treatment, the vet will be able to examine her and know where to start with treatment.

 

[MartiDavi]

I'd get it checked with a vet. If it turns out to be benign and something you can deal with at home then you'll know, and if it's something that requires more extensive treatment, the vet will be able to examine her and know where to start with treatment.

OMG are you thinking about skin cancer or something dreadful like that?

 

[Wiebke]

Hey everyone! We've noticed a bit of a peculiar issue with one of our "Caterpig" ears. It appears to have a dry and hard texture, almost like a skin problem. Thankfully, Caterpig doesn't seem to be in any discomfort and is growing well. Since we already have a vet visit scheduled for Tuesday to check on Mia's heart, we're wondering if it's necessary to bring Caterpig along or if this might be something we could address at home. Of course, our priority is Caterpig's health, so any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. We don't mind taking her to the vet if needed. Thanks in advance for your support and suggestions!

Hi

I would recommend to have it vet checked for a potential fungal issue. Please do not home treat on spec.

 

[MartiDavi]

Thank you guys! I think I will feel better after a vet visit. Do you think I can wait Tuesday so I can take her when I take Mia or is this something urgent? I could always call the vet tomorrow and try to get us in!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you guys! I think I will feel better after a vet visit. Do you think I can wait Tuesday so I can take her when I take Mia or is this something urgent? I could always call the vet tomorrow and try to get us in!

It can wait until Tuesday but be aware that you will have to treat any piggies in contact with each other. You want to catch the companion in the gap between infection and acute outbreak.

Make sure that you use good hygiene.

 

[MartiDavi]

It can wait until Tuesday but be aware that you will have to treat any piggies in contact with each other. You want to catch the companion in the gap between infection and acute outbreak.

Make sure that you use good hygiene.

Might just bring all three of them The vet knows how paranoid I am by now and they are very understanding. Going to investigate what it is and then hopefully we will have a treatment ad a good plan. With hygiene you suggest anything specific like maybe investing in some grooming product or just the regular, piggies/environment hygiene? I am currently reading about long haired piggies as I think Caterpig will need some extra care to remain healthy!

 

[Lorcan]

OMG are you thinking about skin cancer or something dreadful like that?

nono, apologies! I more meant if it ended up being fungal, or similar, the vet's going to want to see it before doing anything with it anyway.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’d be thinking a potential fungal issue.
While there are many types of fungal infection, not just ringworm, Ive linked in our ringworm guide due to the fact it explains the hygiene measures - F10.
Definitely see the vet

Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

 

[MartiDavi]

Perfect, thank you guys! I have booked Caterpig (trial name Ginny) in for Tuesday with her sister. I noticed she has some sort of bug running around her fur, not many and she doesn't seem bothered but I will get that checked again and then prepare to treat the other sisters too. She is only 7 weeks so I don't think I can isolate her but maybe the vet will know what I can do!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Perfect, thank you guys! I have booked Caterpig (trial name Ginny) in for Tuesday with her sister. I noticed she has some sort of bug running around her fur, not many and she doesn't seem bothered but I will get that checked again and then prepare to treat the other sisters too. She is only 7 weeks so I don't think I can isolate her but maybe the vet will know what I can do!

What do the bugs look like?
Mites are not visible and the only piggy specific parasite which can be seen by the human eye are lice. Pale crawling creatures

 

[MartiDavi]

What do the bugs look like?
Mites are not visible and the only piggy specific parasite which can be seen by the human eye are lice. Pale crawling creatures

Pale crawling creature look like a good description. Is like super tiny tiny tiny whitey tiny bugs. Looking online "lice" matches what I see. But not that many and she seems un bothered by it but I want to mKe sure this does not become a problem. I am used in lives for dogs, not sure if it's the same for piggies where you bath everyone and wash all environment and toys? Can I always wait Tuesday for the vet or should I start actioning something now? I wouldn't want to Bath her until I know what her skin condition is but I am up to any advice!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Pale crawling creature look like a good description. Is like super tiny tiny tiny whitey tiny bugs. Looking online "lice" matches what I see. But not that many and she seems un bothered by it but I want to mKe sure this does not become a problem. I am used in lives for dogs, not sure if it's the same for piggies where you bath everyone and wash all environment and toys? Can I always wait Tuesday for the vet or should I start actioning something now? I wouldn't want to Bath her until I know what her skin condition is but I am up to any advice!

A diagnosed case of lice is treated with a course of Xeno.
Not much you can do really until diagnosed and treatment starts. Definitely don’t bathe her.

The guide below explains a bit more
New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

 

[VickiA]

Pale crawling creature look like a good description. Is like super tiny tiny tiny whitey tiny bugs. Looking online "lice" matches what I see. But not that many and she seems un bothered by it but I want to mKe sure this does not become a problem. I am used in lives for dogs, not sure if it's the same for piggies where you bath everyone and wash all environment and toys? Can I always wait Tuesday for the vet or should I start actioning something now? I wouldn't want to Bath her until I know what her skin condition is but I am up to any advice!

Ugh that sounds like running lice. If it’s lice then she will need a two pronged approach - your vet will need to give her treatment to kill the lice, but you can help at home by strengthening her gut and immune system. A good diet with veggies rich in vitamin C and perhaps some probiotic as well to help with the digestive system.

 

[MartiDavi]

Ugh that sounds like running lice. If it’s lice then she will need a two pronged approach - your vet will need to give her treatment to kill the lice, but you can help at home by strengthening her gut and immune system. A good diet with veggies rich in vitamin C and perhaps some probiotic as well to help with the digestive system.

Oh excellent! Yes, I can't wait to go to the vet now, I just want them all to feel better. Bless her, she must be so stressed with the new home and being this young. I have probiotics at home so I can start that, and I think I still have some vitamin C from Rudi's old stock so I can add that in the routine. I hope the vet will be able to advice on what to do for the other two piggies living with her. Olivia seems all fine and no visible lives. I am worried about Mia tho, she doesn't have anything on her fur but since she is poly I don't want those nasty bugs to take advantage of the situation. Tuesday can't come any sooner! Thank you all for the replies tho, I am making notes and preparing an action plan. Might have more questions the more I read on the topic and after bet visit!

 

[Merab]

Poor Caterpig.

Hope you can get her treated quickly and it all clears up .

Holding you in my thoughts

 

[MartiDavi]

Poor Caterpig.

Hope you can get her treated quickly and it all clears up .

Holding you in my thoughts

Awww thank you! Will keep you guys posted on progress. Hopefully vet will give us a nice plan. Was looking at shampoos online but I think Caterpig is too little for that, let's see what the vet will say. In the meantime she is definitely becoming more confident. It's so sweet and funny to witness

 

[Wiebke]

Might just bring all three of them The vet knows how paranoid I am by now and they are very understanding. Going to investigate what it is and then hopefully we will have a treatment ad a good plan. With hygiene you suggest anything specific like maybe investing in some grooming product or just the regular, piggies/environment hygiene? I am currently reading about long haired piggies as I think Caterpig will need some extra care to remain healthy!

We have a very practical and detailed guide for ringworm care and hygiene, which actually does work if you follow it in case you are actually faced with the worst case scenario. Ringworm is majorly a pain because of the spores. It takes 10-14 days in between infection and outbreak with ringworm.
Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

But there are less aggressive and transmittable fungal infections around for which the normal hand washing routine (including in between piggies) and change of fabric they are being treated on is enough.

Getting hold of some F10 concentrate from online is always good. The concentrate lasts you for ages and can be used for regular deep cleans and major disinfection jobs.

It's also been handy for all the disinfection during the pandemic when my hub had to shield so he wouldn't come into contact with anything, including any shopping. He'd do the driving and handle the car and house door while I do the shopping, carrying, disinfecting and putting away...

 

[MartiDavi]

Hello all! I wanted to update you all earlier but we had my mother in law visiting and things have been chaotic!

Anyway, vet visit went well, Ginny the Caterpig doesn't have any skin condition but the vet says she has mites (even tho I think he meant lice!) - so all of my piggies have been put on Panomec Inj 50ml and advised deep cleaning (for which I am following the guides I found on here and using f10).

Mia is also doing fine, you might have seen the other post I created about concerns regarding the possibility of her being a heart biggie but the vet said that her heart is a tad bigger than the normal size but he is not concerned at the moment. She still is fighting the pneumonia but she is doing ok for now. We will bring her back for a follow up next week

Thank you again for all the advise and support - might ask follow up questions if I gt stuck on the lice situation!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello all! I wanted to update you all earlier but we had my mother in law visiting and things have been chaotic!

Anyway, vet visit went well, Ginny the Caterpig doesn't have any skin condition but the vet says she has mites (even tho I think he meant lice!) - so all of my piggies have been put on Panomec Inj 50ml and advised deep cleaning (for which I am following the guides I found on here and using f10).

Mia is also doing fine, you might have seen the other post I created about concerns regarding the possibility of her being a heart biggie but the vet said that her heart is a tad bigger than the normal size but he is not concerned at the moment. She still is fighting the pneumonia but she is doing ok for now. We will bring her back for a follow up next week

Thank you again for all the advise and support - might ask follow up questions if I gt stuck on the lice situation!

Panomec (ivermectin) injections are the most effective way to treat skin parasites as long as they are done three times for each piggy. Most small animal clinics sadly do no longer stock it so we have to do with spot on xeno (all UK brands) or Stronghold/Revolution (selamectin).

 

[MartiDavi]

Panomec (ivermectin) injections are the most effective way to treat skin parasites as long as they are done three times for each piggy. Most small animal clinics sadly do no longer stock it so we have to do with spot on xeno (all UK brands) or Stronghold/Revolution (selamectin).

Oh interesting! Yes, they explained it's going to be a looooong treatment. Luckily I found some good tips in here so hubby and I will be on parasite duties for the next weeks

 

[Wiebke]

Oh interesting! Yes, they explained it's going to be a looooong treatment. Luckily I found some good tips in here so hubby and I will be on parasite duties for the next weeks

Things should calm down after about two days (they will get a bit worse initially as the mites are killed) and then slowly creep up again until the next round; about two to three days after that the worst should be over. The third round is there is to mop up any latecomers that could eventually start a new outbreak.
Only a severe outbreak would require further rounds.

All the best.