Q: hair loss...dry skin

Answered by AnimalQueen on 3/9/2005, 2:11 pm

A: vet again

That is not normal for a pig. I suggest you get a second opinion from another vet. Make sure you go to a cavy savvy vet, most exotic vets have cavy vets, but confirm to be sure. He especially needs to see a vet since he's biting himself and loosing weight. If it's as severe as it is, you should have recieved some sort of tip or perscription to help him.

Something is wrong with your pig, and it needs to be solved NOW. Where is his cage? I am assuming he is in an entirely different cage so he doesn't get his daughters pregnant. Have him away from the females, as smelling and seeing females, but not be with them, can drive a male crazy. Move his cage to a quiet place, like a bedroom, or study. Make sure his cage is off the ground, like on a sturdy dresser at waist level. This will help reduce stress. Make sure he has things to play with to keep him occupied. http://www.cavycages.com/toys.htm has great ideas about homemade toys that are virtually free. When you hold him, make sure you're sitting down, and his chest, butt, and all feet are supported. This will lessen stress. Talk to him quietly and gently pet him. Hold him in a quiet room, away from loud noises and other animals. Also, do you have other animals like cats or dogs? The presence of a predatory animal can greatly induce stress. Make him feel as comfortable as possible. Make sure he gets his cup of veggies, but instead of the entire cup at once, try giving him smaller portions multiple times a day. This will help keep him busy throughout the day.

Hairloss is a symptom for many things, mainly parasites. Does he scratch often? If so, may be ringworm, lice, or mites. Lice you can see with your eyes, mites you can't. That's why he may be biting himself, because it itches. Like I said, you need to get a second opinion.

Another possibilty is he's barbering, when he removes the hair himself out of boredom.

If it's not stress, it could be anything. http://www.guinealynx.com/hairloss.html is a great site about hairloss in general.

If money is an issue, ask about payment plans. Many vets are cooperative in those situations. Think what's best for your pig.

> we have had Nicky for 14 months. He has always had dry
> skin, and loss of hair on his hind. I took him to the
> vet..they did a test that cost me 85.00, only to tell me it
> is because of stress. They were checking for parasites, and
> he had none. It seems to be spreading up his back, and he
> is now biting himself on his sides. Also, he is losing
> weight...although eating the same. His daughters, are just
> fine, no skin ailments and are plump to hold.
> What could be wrong with him?? I don't want to spend
> another 85.00 for them to tell me it is nerves. (he does
> not seem nervous at all!!) His daughters are soooo
> scittery, but he loves our attention.
> HELP!!!
> Thanks,
> Nervous piggy mom
>