Hair Loss, Losing Weight

[newlollyvideos]

Hello-

I recently (about two months ago) got this guy as a rescued piggy from someone else. He goes by Butterball. He was an absolute excellent and healthy pig, and I recently introduced him to a baby I had and everything was fine. Suddenly, he began to lose weight rapidly. We were upgrading them to a large C&C cage, and when running my hand over his back, his hair started to fall out. I was absolutely appalled as I have been handling him lots and did not notice anything.

I can't seem to figure out what's wrong. He's losing weight, he does eat but very very slowly and only when we hand feed him. Amazon is supposed to deliver critical care today, so fingers crossed I can use that. Unfortunately, the recommended vets by me for Guinea Pigs are not open on weekends. I live in a very touristy area, so this is difficult.

I'm wondering if this could be static mites? I've noticed my two females nearby have started scratching and appear to have the same things as google images show. I thought scurvy, and made sure they got extra vegetables with vitamin c drops today, but I don't believe it's that as my females are scratching.

 

[newlollyvideos]

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear this.

Please do step in and syringe feed him to stop the weight loss, ensuring you weigh him daily so you can more closely monitor his food intake.
Please do get to a vet when they reopen.

In the meantime, I would exercise caution in case it is a fungal infection such as ringworm. This is highly transmissible to other animals and to people. Hopefully it isn’t ringworm, but ensuring you exercise hygiene until you know otherwise is prudent

Ensure the vet also checks his teeth given you mention he is eating only slowly

Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

 

[Merab]

Poor boy.
Hope you can get a speedy vet appointment and proper diagnosis and treatment.
Holding you in my thoughts.
Welcome to the forum

 

[Flutterby]

Sending healing vibes xx

 

[Claire W]

Poor boy I hope you manage to get him seen by a vet. I am wishing him a speedy recovery x

 

[Bill & Ted]

Welcome to the forum
So sorry your boy is poorly, hope you can get a vet appt very soon x

 

[newlollyvideos]

Thank you all for the concern. We have a vet appointment Wednesday morning, it was the earliest we can get. I've started him on a higher expensive food, we've upped veggie intake, and have been adding vitamin c, and he seems to be doing a lot better, walking around, etc.

I am concerned as one of my girls has the same type of bald patch, but does not show the signs of lethargy like he does. Fingers crossed.