Hello, Need Help.
My guinea pig is a male long hair and is losing hair around the eye and forehead..
The hair loss is progressive.
Please advise...
Regards...
Hi and welcome
How long have you had your guinea pig? If it is less than a month, then please carefully document the problem with clear pictures which also include a piece of paper with the date on it so you have much more of a recourse when reclaiming any vet fees from the seller. There is unfortunately much more of a fobbing off culture in the USA. This falls under your customer rights for having been sold damaged ware.
I am very sorry, but we cannot tell you what you may be dealing sight unseen at the snap of a finger. It doesn't work like that; sadly far too many pets are incorrectly treated or even die because of DIY home diagnosis.
In most cases, there are several very different issues requiring different treatment that have to be taken into consideration with each single symptom. A medical examination isn't possible on the basis of 1 symptom = 1 possible illness in most cases; especially not on the basis of a vague description. A close hands-on examination will look for other more subtle clues; any treatment is then recommended after a very careful weighing up of all the evidence found as to which problem most likely applies. That is why it takes years to become a vet. They are much more forensic detectives in their daily life than you would imagine. They have then to weigh up the weight, age, general health and possible side effects/interaction when prescribing the most suitable course of medication and dosages.
Please accept that we are a UK based owner's forum and that as a public place we fall under the much stricter legislation re. diagnosing remotely and presciption-only medication requiring a vet visit in this country than in the USA.
Could you please take a preferably crisp and well lit picture and upload it via the Attach Files button underneath your post when you write it to give us a bit of a chance.
Please take the time to read up on cavy specific skin parasites and ringworm (highly contagious species jumping fungal skin infection), which are by no means the only but the most common pitfalls that come with newly bought pet shop or backyard breeder guinea pigs. Unfortunately, skin parasites and fungal infections do require different treatment.
The information link also contains further information about your customer rights handling in the USA.
Here is the link:
New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights
