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Thinning hair/bald patch

J

Jodie09

New Born Pup
Joined
Nov 27, 2021
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Location
Wrexham
Hi,

My guinea pig Noel has been really poorly recently with had dental issues and an abscess. He’s finally back to his normal self, is eating normally and is putting weight on. However, in the past few days I have noticed his hair thinning quite a bit and was wondering if anyone has any ideas what it might be? His skin doesn’t seem red or inflamed. We have no vets close to us that are knowledgeable about guinea pigs so have been taking him to the cat and rabbit clinic for treatment which is nearly 3 hours away so it’s not easy to get an appointment about this straight away. He has been on a lot of different medications so I was wondering if it could be a side effect of this or whether my other guinea pig may be barbering him? He was on critical care feed for a while so his nutrition wasn't the best, although he is eating perfectly well now and has unlimited fresh hay, regular grass and veggies. Any advice would be appreciated!
 
I am sorry that Noel has been unwell :( It's great that he is now getting better but I am sorry about the thinning fur. It could be barbering either by himself or his cage mate or it could also be mites or fungal. Keep an eye on him and see if it is barbering or if you see him scratching, it could be mites. Sadly, the immune system is often weakened when a pig is poorly and mites can occur due to this but you can't see them with the naked eye. But sadly, only a vet can diagnose and treat. Have you had a look at our vet locator to see if there is a vet within easier reach? Recommended Guinea Pig Vets
 
Jodie09 said:
Hi,

My guinea pig Noel has been really poorly recently with had dental issues and an abscess. He’s finally back to his normal self, is eating normally and is putting weight on. However, in the past few days I have noticed his hair thinning quite a bit and was wondering if anyone has any ideas what it might be? His skin doesn’t seem red or inflamed. We have no vets close to us that are knowledgeable about guinea pigs so have been taking him to the cat and rabbit clinic for treatment which is nearly 3 hours away so it’s not easy to get an appointment about this straight away. He has been on a lot of different medications so I was wondering if it could be a side effect of this or whether my other guinea pig may be barbering him? He was on critical care feed for a while so his nutrition wasn't the best, although he is eating perfectly well now and has unlimited fresh hay, regular grass and veggies. Any advice would be appreciated!
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Hi and welcome

Could you please post a picture of the issue? Just going by your vague description, I can only comment on your thoughts but I have no more direct access to your piggy in order to have an unbiased access. The clearer and well-lit a picture the more we may be able to help you. It would also be great to being able to see where on the body this happens.

The immune system may be a bit lowered after a lot of meds and illness so opportunistic skin problems and parasites could make an appearance.

The best way is to upload a picture via the Attach Files button on the left under your post when you write it.

Thank you.
 
Claire W said:
I am sorry that Noel has been unwell :( It's great that he is now getting better but I am sorry about the thinning fur. It could be barbering either by himself or his cage mate or it could also be mites or fungal. Keep an eye on him and see if it is barbering or if you see him scratching, it could be mites. Sadly, the immune system is often weakened when a pig is poorly and mites can occur due to this but you can't see them with the naked eye. But sadly, only a vet can diagnose and treat. Have you had a look at our vet locator to see if there is a vet within easier reach? Recommended Guinea Pig Vets
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Thank you for your reply, I haven’t noticed he is scratching as I have been keeping a close eye on him. We have our local vet and an exotic not too far away but we have had such bad experiences with them with the dental issues I am reluctant to go back there but I definitely will if I have to!
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome

Could you please post a picture of the issue? Just going by your vague description, I can only comment on your thoughts but I have no more direct access to your piggy in order to have an unbiased access. The clearer and well-lit a picture the more we may be able to help you. It would also be great to being able to see where on the body this happens.

The immune system may be a bit lowered after a lot of meds and illness so opportunistic skin problems and parasites could make an appearance.

The best way is to upload a picture via the Attach Files button on the left under your post when you write it.

Thank you.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply. Sorry, I did try to attach a picture but couldn’t work out how! Here is a before and what it looks like now. Thank you!
 

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Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome

Could you please post a picture of the issue? Just going by your vague description, I can only comment on your thoughts but I have no more direct access to your piggy in order to have an unbiased access. The clearer and well-lit a picture the more we may be able to help you. It would also be great to being able to see where on the body this happens.

The immune system may be a bit lowered after a lot of meds and illness so opportunistic skin problems and parasites could make an appearance.

The best way is to upload a picture via the Attach Files button on the left under your post when you write it.

Thank you.
Click to expand...
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome

Could you please post a picture of the issue? Just going by your vague description, I can only comment on your thoughts but I have no more direct access to your piggy in order to have an unbiased access. The clearer and well-lit a picture the more we may be able to help you. It would also be great to being able to see where on the body this happens.

The immune system may be a bit lowered after a lot of meds and illness so opportunistic skin problems and parasites could make an appearance.

The best way is to upload a picture via the Attach Files button on the left under your post when you write it.

Thank you.
Click to expand...
I’ve attached some close up pictures too
 

Attachments

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Jodie09 said:
Thank you for your reply, I haven’t noticed he is scratching as I have been keeping a close eye on him. We have our local vet and an exotic not too far away but we have had such bad experiences with them with the dental issues I am reluctant to go back there but I definitely will if I have to!
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I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience with local vets. I wouldn’t like to comment on whether it’s barbering, mites or something else but like @furryfriends (TEAS) has advised, email the pics to Simon and see what he thinks
 
Hi!

I agree that sending those pictures to the Cat&Rabbit Care clinic may be best. The hair loss areas are not consistent with any of the usual common culprits.
 
Jodie09 said:
It’s so strange he’s fine in himself! Will I have to phone them first to let them know? And will it be classed as a consultation? Xx
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Booking an appointment is not a consultation. ;)
 
Wiebke said:
Booking an appointment is not a consultation. ;)
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I think she’s asking if she would be charged for a telephone consultation, if she sends photos for Simon to look at and then contact her to discuss.

In answer to that, it may be best to ask the receptionist if there would be a charge.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I think she’s asking if she would be charged for a telephone consultation, if she sends photos for Simon to look at and then contact her to discuss.

In answer to that, it may be best to ask the receptionist if there would be a charge.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I’ll give them a ring on Monday 🙂
 
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