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Post by bunchesofjoy on Dec 1, 2008 4:36:39 GMT
If one of my guinea pig's claw/toenail is peeling, is that something I should be worried about? Or does that mean I need to clip her nails? She's young so I thought she didn't need them clipped yet. They don't seem too long.
Also, I noticed today that she seems to have dandruff. Are her nails and skin too dry?
She has sneezed a lot in the past couple days, but it should be warm enough in here and she hasn't shown any other signs of illness. She has no nasal discharge and she's playing/eating/drinking normally.
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Post by bunchesofjoy on Dec 1, 2008 4:53:52 GMT
And she has very warm/hot ears.
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Post by abby on Dec 1, 2008 9:06:03 GMT
I don't know about peeling claws but if she's catching them on something it could become a problem, say if she's on fleece and gets stuck so keep an eye on them. The dandruff does need treating, it's a skin condition, probably fungal and shouldn't be ignored. I used Gorgeous Guineas Coconeem melt and Manuka & Neem shampoo to treat Percy for the same thing and he's perfectly cured now. See: www.gorgeousguineas.com/indentification.htmlIt involves 3 baths, each a week apart. it might seem daunting if you've not bathed them before, i know i was really worried but look on the bathing threads on this site it's fantastic. There are lots of instructions and delightful photos of guineas having their baths. Someone else might need to advise you about the sneezing and hot ears. I don't know if that means she's poorly and shouldn't be bathed yet. GG also have somthing for dry feet you might want to try: www.store2go.net/shop/gorgeousguineas/p/category/0709166791-New+Products/Email Chrissie there, she's incredibly helpful and might be able to advise you about her other symptoms. I hope i haven't worried you too much, it's a very positive sign that she's eating well & playing. The skin condition should be treated but isn't urgent so make sure you're happy she's well first. Finally, you should get the trial sizes of everything as they're so effective i haven't needed to use them since so didn't need to buy a big bottle of the shampoo. One tip, when using the melt, it says to leave it on them for 20 mins before rinsing, Percy didn't enjoy the process much so in each case i only left it 5 mins and it still worked perfectly, am thrilled with their products. Good luck! |
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Post by bunchesofjoy on Dec 1, 2008 10:27:38 GMT
Thank you!
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Dawn - Admin
Administrator 
MOTM May 2006, TPOTM Nov 2007
Dawn and the Cutiecavies
Posts: 22,784
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Post by Dawn - Admin on Dec 1, 2008 13:35:35 GMT
I would say she must be lacking something in her diet because her nails are dry and her skin is dry. What dry mix do you feed her with? If it is the mix sahe might be selective feeding so not getting all the nutrients she needs.
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Post by bunchesofjoy on Dec 2, 2008 0:52:27 GMT
It's Kaytee Fiesta brand with Vitamin C. I also give her Vitamin C in her water. And I give her Timothy Hay.
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Post by ccc on Dec 2, 2008 13:45:15 GMT
It sounds like it may be an all over fungal problem, hence the flakiness on the nails. I have a young pig with sensitive skin who is prone to fungal infections. When she was a few weeks old she got a fungal infection in her toe, which is continuing to grow out out in the form of a thickened and flaky nail.
The best route of treatment has already been mentioned; apply Daktarin cream, or a Gorgeous Guineas lotion, to the feet daily until they have cleared up, and bathe all over in an antifungal shampoo. Gorgeous Guineas Manuka & Neem shampoo, preceded by a Melt (an intensive skin conditioner), is especially good for such problems. Nizoral or Malaseb are alternatives if you can't get GG.
Soluble Vitamin C degrades and leaves harmful minerals/ingredients in the water within hours. It's not worth adding Vit C to the water, pigs are better off with plain, fresh water each day. Oxbow do a good supplement if you really are concerned, but a good variety of fresh veg is the best source of Vitamin C. Peppers and cilantro are the most nutritious daily veg - pigs can get almost all their daily Vit. C requirement just from a large slice of red pepper.
Lots of hay is good. The dry feed I've heard is not a healthy one; can you get hold of any Oxbow (www.oxbowhay.com), Kleenmama's (www.kmshayloft.com) or Mazuri 5664? They are more nutritionally balanced and thus healthier for piggies.
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Post by bunchesofjoy on Dec 2, 2008 19:18:11 GMT
Thanks!
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Post by celia on Dec 6, 2008 0:30:14 GMT
Sounds like fungal to me too , i have had a fungal problem this year and the red ears are a sign that a fungal problem is starting . Hope you get it sorted soon x
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