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Post by iluvmike on Mar 17, 2011 0:52:26 GMT
Our guinea pig is 2 months old, we just got him from the pet store about 3 weeks ago.. When I bought him I asked them to give me food and bedding he was using in the store...They gave me pine shavings.. After a week of having him home the hair on his nose became really course then a couple of days after that it looked like he scratched his fur off.. So now he has no fur on his nose and up a little bit more.. When I checked on line it said he may be allergic to the bedding so I changed it to a natural bedding...So I am asking do you think it is an allergy thing or something else... Any advice would be great...We love our little piggy Mike...
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Post by gabby88 on Mar 17, 2011 1:04:01 GMT
I'm glad you got rid of the pine shavings! It's not good for them and can cause respiratory problems.
The pine shavings most likely did cause an allergic reaction that was causing his skin to be irritated. What's the natural bedding you switched to? it should be better than the pine.
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Post by iluvmike on Mar 17, 2011 1:11:59 GMT
Carefresh..I am so upset that the pet store where we got him sold that to me...I have read so many bad things about it and you would think they would know this... I have never owned a guinea pig before so this is all new to me...I have done so much research on line but I feel like I am doing something wrong.. Can you tell me what you feed and do with your piggy..Also I am confused on the Vit C. I put some drops in his water and I don't think he is drinking any water so I just put plain water in his bottle...
Thank you
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Post by gabby88 on Mar 17, 2011 1:16:22 GMT
Carefresh should be great! I was using Carefresh before switching to fleece. Most people don't recommend the vitamin C drops in water bottles. It makes the water taste weird and they don't like drinking it. Feeding them vegetables high in vitamin C like green pepper works well. There's also guinea pig treats with vitamin C. My piggies love these Vitamin C Drops. They're like little orange flavored treats shaped like chocolate chips. Skip the water drops and switch to different types of veggies. Also, most guinea pig food pellets have vitamin c in them, too. I feed them Oxbow brand guinea pig pellets that have 400mg of vitamin c. But they don't always enjoy the pellets as much as their veggies, so make sure to feed him both.  |
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Post by gabby88 on Mar 17, 2011 1:22:40 GMT
Here's a fantastic list of vegetables to feed your guinea pig. Some veggies you have to be careful with because they contain too much of some vitamins: jackiesguineapiggies.com/fruitandveg.htmlI hope that helps!! I just purchased my first two guinea pigs around a month ago, so I totally understand feeling clueless at first! But everyone in this forum has been so helpful, and I've been to the library to read a lot of guinea pig books, and I've also looked online for any information I can find. I finally feel like I know quite a bit about guinea pigs. Haha! |
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Post by iluvmike on Mar 17, 2011 1:31:14 GMT
Thank you so much.. I know what you mean, I have gotten books from the library and read online I feel like I have guinea pig on the brain... He is the cutest and so sweet I don't want to do anything to hurt him... Do you think he might have mites?
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Post by gabby88 on Mar 17, 2011 1:46:39 GMT
Mites usually cause open sores from excess scratching. If he doesn't have sores, it might just be an allergic reaction to the pine or it could even be fleas. You can get a flea comb and check him for fleas.
I've also heard that mites usually will be on the back end of your guinea pig, so the fact that the bald spot is on his nose leads me to believe that it was probably an allergy. But if you are still worried about the possibility of mites, it may be best to see a vet as mites can be fatal.
But I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that mites are the problem. Keep a close eye on him with his new bedding and see if he improves.
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Post by pepperdog on Mar 17, 2011 9:19:06 GMT
perhaps a check up at the vets would put your mind at rest, if it was an allergic reaction then changing the bedding was the best thing to do, and they can check for signs of mites for you - although it wont be conclusive, but at least they should be able to tell if the skin is in good condition.
Sadly pet shops dont seem to be what they should be and they are just a business, selling items is all they are there for. I didnt know about shavings being a potential problem with them until I read up about different beddings - the original reason for me doing so is I have problems with shaving due to my allergies so I need an alternative, ironic isnt it. I am not sure my choice of shredded paper is the best for mine, but its something to try for the first time and will see how it goes.
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Post by Kayleigh on Mar 17, 2011 18:49:37 GMT
Pine shavings are a no no. Hairloss is commonly caused by mites or a skin infection. I would get him to a vets to get treated just to be on the safe side. You can buy mite treaments from pet stores if you would prefer. This is applied on the back of the neck. Treatment should be repeated after two weeks just to ensure you solve the problem.
I doubt he has fleas. you can see fleas and flea dirt with the human eye. Mites on the other hand are microscopic.
If you are feeding your guinea pig on "guinea pig" food then no vitamin c drops or treats of any form are needed. They will get all the vitamin c they need from the food and veggies.
Vitamin c drops are more commonly used for pigs suffering with scurvy. Pet stores will try and sell you anything and everything.
Keep us updated.
Kayleigh
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Post by iluvmike on Mar 21, 2011 22:00:48 GMT
Here is an update on Mike.. I took him to the vet today because over the weekend he started spinning in circles and was off balance. He has and URI and something like strep throat for piggies and the vet DX him with a neurological problem... He is on two different antibiotics and if he doesn't get better the vet said we would have to put him down.. The reason why he scratched all the fur off his nose was because of the URI. I am so sad and preparing my children for what ever is going to happen to our little Mike..What I learned is not to trust the pet stores in the Mall.. We only had him for 3weeks. After a week of him being here is when he scratched the fur off his nose, so that leads me to believe he was sick when we bought him home...I will update you when I found out more..I hope some one else can learn from this post, like I have learned from other posts..Thank you all for feedback.
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Post by amandacv86 on Mar 22, 2011 4:00:10 GMT
I hope he gets better! *Hugs*  |
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Post by gabby88 on Mar 22, 2011 4:03:41 GMT
I hope he'll be ok! You did everything you could for him from changing his bedding to taking him to the vet. Whatever happens, at least right now he is well taken care of and loved.
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Post by Kayleigh on Mar 22, 2011 6:31:41 GMT
Ohh i do hope he pulls through, Keep us updated.
Kayleigh
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Post by Orlaith on Mar 22, 2011 12:20:26 GMT
Best of luck to your little piggy. I hope he gets better.
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Post by pepperdog on Mar 22, 2011 16:01:02 GMT
positive vibes for him and hugs for you and your family |
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