Still struggling with hair loss!

[Dews1]

Hi all, I'm posting this thread so I can document developments with my guinea pig Cappuccino (female, 3 years 3 months). The vet has suggested she may have Cushings and there is limited information on here so far.

She started with a patch of hair loss on her lower tummy, slight weight loss of about 50g over the past couple of months, and she's always had slightly crusty nipples. Googling this brings up classic ovarian cysts, and she was displaying a bit of dominance behaviour towards her buddy Treacle at the time too which is a possible symptom, so that was my guess.

The vet suggested an ultrasound of the ovaries and bladder (in case the hair loss was due to her nibbling it from pain). one time about a year ago she suddenly passed one stone in her wee but has had no urinary issues since then (she's on filtered water and low calcium diet) but I'm glad they wanted to look at the bladder to check on that. The fur does seem nibbled down rather than totally bald and falling out. I've caught her over grooming the area too.

The ultrasound today has revealed healthy bladder and ovaries, and the vet is now contacting a specialist about whether it's Cushings that's causing the hair loss and slight weight loss. I'll be updating here whenever I hear any further

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all, I'm posting this thread so I can document developments with my guinea pig Cappuccino (female, 3 years 3 months). The vet has suggested she may have Cushings and there is limited information on here so far.

She started with a patch of hair loss on her lower tummy, slight weight loss of about 50g over the past couple of months, and she's always had slightly crusty nipples. Googling this brings up classic ovarian cysts, and she was displaying a bit of dominance behaviour towards her buddy Treacle at the time too which is a possible symptom, so that was my guess.

The vet suggested an ultrasound of the ovaries and bladder (in case the hair loss was due to her nibbling it from pain). one time about a year ago she suddenly passed one stone in her wee but has had no urinary issues since then (she's on filtered water and low calcium diet) but I'm glad they wanted to look at the bladder to check on that. The fur does seem nibbled down rather than totally bald and falling out. I've caught her over grooming the area too.

The ultrasound today has revealed healthy bladder and ovaries, and the vet is now contacting a specialist about whether it's Cushings that's causing the hair loss and slight weight loss. I'll be updating here whenever I hear any further

Hi and welcome back

I am very sorry. Self-barbering is usually a sign of discomfort in or underneath the skin. However, just going by your description we cannot comment. You can best upload a picture via the Attach Files underneath your post when you write it.

From my own understanding, Cushings is caused by falling out hairs in a somewhat haphazard/non-typical pattern with bare skin in connection with weight loss and increased drinking/peeing (which is not always noticed by the owners).
When taking pictures, please also make sure that the area in question is locatable on the body for us. The safest way to upload is by using the attach files button under your post when you write it.

Cushings is very rare in guinea pigs. We have had perhaps around 10 diagnosed or even suspected cases passing through this forum in coming up to twenty years - in comparison to the tens of thousands of other cases we have seen on here in that time. All confirmed cases we have heard back from (which is not always the case) about the outcomes have been sadly fatal but they have been usually only diagnosed in the latest stages.

However, I am not sure at all whether your guinea pig is actually displaying symptoms of Cushings in guinea pigs.
You may find this link here helpful, which gives you the biggest amount of information you can currently find outside specialist literature - and none of us is a vet; we can only reflect what our members report in terms of diagnosis and treatment: Non-itchy Hair loss in Guinea Pigs

All the best with getting to the bottom of what is going on.

 

[Dews1]

I too am not sure whether her symptoms are in line with Cushings - she doesn't have increased thirst that I've noticed, and her fur loss has only been on her underside and appears nibbled short, although there is a small patch on her back that I've only noticed today - she's usually a big ball of fuzz. I'll attach pictures of what the hair loss looks like today along with the clinic notes that I've just got back - they detail a dark area on ultrasound that "looks like an adrenal gland" which is possibly what made the vet come to this possible conclusion. Hoping to hear more in the coming days.

her weight throughout 2024 averaged ~1100g, and today she's 983g.

 

[VickiA]

I’ve in the dim and distant past had a couple of pigs who were suspected to have Cushing’s Disease. Both had a number of tests including blood tests and that’s how it was eventually ruled out as neither had it. It’s very rare for us to hear of a piggy with Cushing’s. I do hope that your vet gets some helpful guidance on what further tests would be helpful for your piggy. Good luck.

 

[Wiebke]

I agree that it may need a blood test but it explains your vet's thinking. Cushings can share symptoms with cystic ovaries and potential kidney infection or failure (the increased thirst and peeing) but in guinea pigs Cushings is much rarer.

 

[Dews1]

Well, I still haven't had a call back from the vets re: what the specialist thinks of Chino's hair loss. It's been 6 days and I called them this morning to chase it up and they said they'd get the vet to call me back after home visits and they never did.

In the meantime she's been fine- mobile, eating and keeping a stable weight (not lost any more since last week) but she definitely isn't losing hair in a falling-out kind of way- she's chewing it off. I only have a small amount of loxicom which was opened 6 months ago exactly (and the shelf life instructions say don't use after 6 months).. but since the vet didn't prescribe any for her at the initial visit, and I asked the receptionist about getting some for her today (as I'm concerned she may be in discomfort) and they haven't called back, she will have to make do with limited amounts of the bottle I have. I've only been giving it when she's chewing at the fur more often and not seeming settled- but honestly, she still does it occasionally after I've given the painkiller so I don't even know whether it's helping.

The vet did suggest stress at the first appointment but shes had no changes in her home, gets along really well with her buddy, they don't annoy each other, they get handled daily and fed a variety of veggies so I'm doubtful- I'm not sure what would be stressing her. I installed a camera to check on her last week as I did wonder for a sec if it was Treacle barbering her, but that just revealed it's definitely self-inflicted.

Feeling very confused about it all, the bald spot is steadily growing (well, they shaved her for the ultrasound so she's even more bald) and I'll have to call them again tomorrow for advice.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Poor piggy, hope she's feeling better soon. It's not something I've ever heard of in piggies, very interesting! We used to have a couple of ponies years back, one of them had suspected cushings.

 

[Wiebke]

Well, I still haven't had a call back from the vets re: what the specialist thinks of Chino's hair loss. It's been 6 days and I called them this morning to chase it up and they said they'd get the vet to call me back after home visits and they never did.

In the meantime she's been fine- mobile, eating and keeping a stable weight (not lost any more since last week) but she definitely isn't losing hair in a falling-out kind of way- she's chewing it off. I only have a small amount of loxicom which was opened 6 months ago exactly (and the shelf life instructions say don't use after 6 months).. but since the vet didn't prescribe any for her at the initial visit, and I asked the receptionist about getting some for her today (as I'm concerned she may be in discomfort) and they haven't called back, she will have to make do with limited amounts of the bottle I have. I've only been giving it when she's chewing at the fur more often and not seeming settled- but honestly, she still does it occasionally after I've given the painkiller so I don't even know whether it's helping.

The vet did suggest stress at the first appointment but shes had no changes in her home, gets along really well with her buddy, they don't annoy each other, they get handled daily and fed a variety of veggies so I'm doubtful- I'm not sure what would be stressing her. I installed a camera to check on her last week as I did wonder for a sec if it was Treacle barbering her, but that just revealed it's definitely self-inflicted.

Feeling very confused about it all, the bald spot is steadily growing (well, they shaved her for the ultrasound so she's even more bald) and I'll have to call them again tomorrow for advice.

HUGS

It is one of those things where you really wish you could ask your piggies what the heck is going on... because you haven't got the first clue.

 

[Dews1]

HUGS

It is one of those things where you really wish you could ask your piggies what the heck is going on... because you haven't got the first clue.

I'm only thankful that she isn't getting worse, just about the same really. She wheeks for salad, she's still active, I don't even think I'd notice based on her behaviour alone. Maybe currently she feels alright most of the time. But the waiting and not knowing is making me want to pull my own hair out!

 

[piggieminder]

That little face just melted my heart.

I hope you get some answers soon.

 

[Wiebke]

I'm only thankful that she isn't getting worse, just about the same really. She wheeks for salad, she's still active, I don't even think I'd notice based on her behaviour alone. Maybe currently she feels alright most of the time. But the waiting and not knowing is making me want to pull my own hair out!

I know that feeling only too well!

 

[CTWC]

She is adorable

 

[Dews1]

Well, I finally got the vet to give us an update on what she and the specialists think of Chino and I gotta say, it's not what I expected.

The verdict is that she's just developed a bad habit.

The ultrasound didn't show anything out of the ordinary (and the 7mm structure was probably part of her normal anatomy..?) so her behaviour is not hormonal, she said it's unlikely to be pain either as she's not showing other signs (lethargy, poor appetite, biting/causing scabs etc) it's definitely not Cushings (but I think we all suspected it wasn't). I can call them back if she does get worse and show signs of pain, but yeah the conclusion is that she needs distractions to break her out of it.

My next hurdle will be finding stuff to entertain her! She doesn't mind being held and she does get handled daily, she has a walk around the house (but she does quickly get bored of this and sits in a corner after a few mins) she has a tube in her cage that usually gets ignored unless it's been removed for a day- then it's exciting again for 5 mins I've just been out and bought a log-bridge thingy and some wicker balls which are always a hit with my piggies. I'm planning on probably stuffing some hay under the bridge.

Suggestions welcome- has anyone else had anything like this happen? I feel a bit silly!

 

[CTWC]

Certainly don't feel silly

 

[CTWC]

Are you after ideas to enrich her environment?

 

[Wiebke]

Well, I finally got the vet to give us an update on what she and the specialists think of Chino and I gotta say, it's not what I expected.

The verdict is that she's just developed a bad habit.

The ultrasound didn't show anything out of the ordinary (and the 7mm structure was probably part of her normal anatomy..?) so her behaviour is not hormonal, she said it's unlikely to be pain either as she's not showing other signs (lethargy, poor appetite, biting/causing scabs etc) it's definitely not Cushings (but I think we all suspected it wasn't). I can call them back if she does get worse and show signs of pain, but yeah the conclusion is that she needs distractions to break her out of it.

My next hurdle will be finding stuff to entertain her! She doesn't mind being held and she does get handled daily, she has a walk around the house (but she does quickly get bored of this and sits in a corner after a few mins) she has a tube in her cage that usually gets ignored unless it's been removed for a day- then it's exciting again for 5 mins I've just been out and bought a log-bridge thingy and some wicker balls which are always a hit with my piggies. I'm planning on probably stuffing some hay under the bridge.

Suggestions welcome- has anyone else had anything like this happen? I feel a bit silly!

Hi

Firstly, I am relieved that it is nothing serious.

Nervous over-grooming is not all that common but it does happen. My Tesni and her shaggy short sides have provided the example for my barbering guide.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do apart from hoping that she will stop at some point. Guinea pigs need to keep their bum area clean and they also also need to pick up poos for a second run through the gut. They are not hurting themselves; it is just unsightly.

(see chapter three, habitual self-grooming)

Thread 'Barbering (Eating Hair)'

Nov 23, 2015

1 What is barbering?
2 Barbering other guinea pigs
- Social grooming
- Dominance grooming
3 Self-barbering
- Habitual over-grooming
- Stress
- Pain
4 Problems that can look similar to barbering
- Skin parasites and ringworm
- Hormonal problems and nutritional...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Behaviours

• 

 

[Dews1]

Are you after ideas to enrich her environment?

I am! If anyone has any thoughts? The vet said toys but the only toy thing they like is the wicker balls which I've added yesterday.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Most piggies don’t bother with toys

This is our enrichment guide which may help you

Thread 'Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs'

Mar 11, 2019

1 Company and interaction
- Company of their own kind is the best enrichment
- Human interaction
2 Excercise
- Daily run time and exercise
- Race and obstacle courses
- Outdoors time and how to bring it indoors
3 Sensory enrichment
- Things for the nose and the palate
- Working to get their daily food
- Romping and burrowing in soft...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Housing, Enrichment, Travel and Climate

• 
• 

 

[Wheekallweek]

So glad there's nothing else going on! She's so gorgeous

 

[Dews1]

Hi, just coming back on here about my girl Cappuccino who is still losing her hair!
In my previous thread I sent her for an ultrasound, ultimately the findings were normal, ruled out cystic ovaries and bladder issues (thankfully, as she did pass 1 stone over a year ago and has been on low calc diet since). The vet finished with the theory that it was behavioural and she was prob bored as she wasn't out in the garden anymore on account of it being cold outside now.

I then provided more enrichment for her (as much as you can enrich a guinea pig who doesn't show much interest..) new tunnels, wooden things, chewy stuff, and even just big bundles of hay as that's what they love most. I take her out of the cage more often for a walk around the house but after 5 mins she's ready to go back to the cage. She lives indoors btw.

The fur is now in two big bald spots on either side of her tummy which I do still find her pulling it out with her teeth but now the hair on her shoulders and behind her head is just rather thin and you can see her skin. She obviously isn't plucking at these bits as she can't reach!

I'm racking my brain at this point as she's beginning to look like a Chinese crested dog when she used to look like the Dulux dog and my other guinea pig is the picture of health!
Could it be a lack of vit c? They have science selective grain free pellets, Timothy hay, and daily salads which usually consist of celery, cucumber, mini tomato, romaine lettuce (or mixed leaf lettuce) the odd apple slice and bell pepper (which they always leave, neither of them enjoy pepper). She used to eat kale and basil and parsley which are higher in vit c but also in calcium so those are rarely given anymore.

Surely she's not got some kind of scurvy? I would be surprised as the rest of her diet should surely include enough vit c but the symptoms of low vit c do include poor coat and lethargy and she is much less active compared to Treacle. But she is still active with a good appetite, no weight loss (958g).

At this point I'm thinking of taking her back to the vet if not only to show that I'm trying something to bring her out of this messy state she's in! She used to look so fluffy!
Photos attached of her fur currently.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I have merged your threads. We do ask that one topic is kept together on the same thread so that all background information is together.

It is unlikely to be scurvy if she has a good diet. It is very rare in well kept piggies.
We only tend to see scurvy (I cannot even recall the last case on here it’s been so long) when piggies have been given long term supplementation on top of their diet and then the supplementation is suddenly stopped which then causes scurvy despite a good diet.

 

[Dews1]

I have merged your threads. We do ask that one topic is kept together on the same thread so that all background information is together.

It is unlikely to be scurvy if she has a good diet. It is very rare in well kept piggies.
We only tend to see scurvy (I cannot even recall the last case on here it’s been so long) when piggies have been given long term supplementation on top of their diet and then the supplementation is suddenly stopped which then causes scurvy despite a good diet.

Thanks for keeping the threads together. I'm on mobile and also just didn't want to keep posting under Cushing's when that's not what it is

I agree about the vit C- she's well fed and I only wondered if it's pseudo scurvy from stopping her high calcium (and high vit c) foods but she was never supplemented with any extra vitamins before so it's probably unlikely.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thanks for keeping the threads together. I'm on mobile and also just didn't want to keep posting under Cushing's when that's not what it is

I agree about the vit C- she's well fed and I only wondered if it's pseudo scurvy from stopping her high calcium (and high vit c) foods but she was never supplemented with any extra vitamins before so it's probably unlikely.

I have changed the thread title for you!

 

[Wiebke]

Well, I finally got the vet to give us an update on what she and the specialists think of Chino and I gotta say, it's not what I expected.

The verdict is that she's just developed a bad habit.

The ultrasound didn't show anything out of the ordinary (and the 7mm structure was probably part of her normal anatomy..?) so her behaviour is not hormonal, she said it's unlikely to be pain either as she's not showing other signs (lethargy, poor appetite, biting/causing scabs etc) it's definitely not Cushings (but I think we all suspected it wasn't). I can call them back if she does get worse and show signs of pain, but yeah the conclusion is that she needs distractions to break her out of it.

My next hurdle will be finding stuff to entertain her! She doesn't mind being held and she does get handled daily, she has a walk around the house (but she does quickly get bored of this and sits in a corner after a few mins) she has a tube in her cage that usually gets ignored unless it's been removed for a day- then it's exciting again for 5 mins I've just been out and bought a log-bridge thingy and some wicker balls which are always a hit with my piggies. I'm planning on probably stuffing some hay under the bridge.

Suggestions welcome- has anyone else had anything like this happen? I feel a bit silly!

Habitual overgrooming can happen. It is not easy to wean a piggy off it in my own experience.

I had to wait for over 5 months and my adoption reservation cancelled twice when Pili Pala ('Butterfly' in Welsh) bit open her (cured) bad mange mites patch twice. Thankfully, the vet decided in the end that it was just habit. Her new home did the trick - within 3 weeks the patch had healed over and although it never haired up (the hair roots had been destroyed), Pili Pala lived a happy and mange mite free piggy life for another over 5 years.

But I never could wean my Tesni 'Sunwarmed' off habitually barbering her sides and looking very shaggy... not even when she fell head over heels aged 5 years with the neutered 5 months old toy boy Gethin 'Dusky' her daughter dumped 2 hours after coming home from rescue dating and having the happiest two years of her life right at the end!

 

[Dews1]

Habitual overgrooming can happen. It is not easy to wean a piggy off it in my own experience.

I had to wait for over 5 months and my adoption reservation cancelled twice when Pili Pala ('Butterfly' in Welsh) bit open her (cured) bad mange mites patch twice. Thankfully, the vet decided in the end that it was just habit. Her new home did the trick - within 3 weeks the patch had healed over and although it never haired up (the hair roots had been destroyed), Pili Pala lived a happy and mange mite free piggy life for another over 5 years.

But I never could wean my Tesni 'Sunwarmed' off habitually barbering her sides and looking very shaggy... not even when she fell head over heels aged 5 years with the neutered 5 months old toy boy Gethin 'Dusky' her daughter dumped 2 hours after coming home from rescue dating and having the happiest two years of her life right at the end!

Aww that's a lovely piggie love story well, maybe I'm gonna have to get used to chino's new look. When she sits up her bald tummy makes it look like she's closely guarding a large egg
It's reassuring to know that it's a tough habit to break. I thought it would be a phase but seeing her with this strange hair do everyday has made me paranoid wondering that I'm missing an easy fix. She appears comfortable, she isn't itchy at all so I'm confident she doesn't have any form of mange or anything. My other late piggie Jaffa had mites once and it was unmistakable, she went very patchy and would scratch deep wounds into herself even though we caught and treated it early. (She grew her thick orange coat back beautifully!)

Thanks for the reassurance I don't know what I'd do without this forum for advice!