a vet answered
Guinea pig with flaky skin, crusts and hair loss around the ears: mites or fungus?
What they asked
Hi Dr. Dylan! I hope you’re doing well! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate your help! Tico is a male guinea pig weighing approximately 920 grams. His diet consists of unlimited timothy hay, Oxbow Adult Guinea Pig pellets, and fresh vegetables daily. He also has constant access to fresh water. I’ve noticed some white flaky skin, small crusts, a reddish sore, and a small area of hair loss around his ears. He does scratch himself, and I’m concerned about the possibility of mites or a fungal infection. Unfortunately, I can’t afford an in-person veterinary appointment right now, so I’m trying to find the safest way to help him. I’ve been considering Revolution (selamectin 6%, 15 mg/0.25 mL, the puppy and kitten formulation) for possible mites, along with miconazole nitrate 2% cream for a possible fungal infection. Would you recommend these treatments together? If so, what would be the appropriate selamectin dosage for his weight, and would miconazole be safe to apply to the affected areas around his ears? I’d also be happy to share photos of his ears if that would help you assess the situation. Thank you again for your time and kindness. I truly appreciate any guidance you can offer!
Sorry about your situation. I am concerned more of an active ear infection. My recommendation would be a veterinarian evaluation. The revolution dosing for a guinea pig would be very risky due to the formulation and I would not recommend. You could do a bath with guinea pig specific shampoo or dawn then frequent enclosure cleaning. The miconazole cream is likewise risky if there is ingestion of the cream. I would look for an exotic veterinarian as soon as possible with the lethargy you mentioned early.
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