My guinea pig has fur loss and red patches. Is it a fungal infection?

Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach! This looks like a ringworm lesion to me. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1800&aid=2494 You can try using a topical anti-fungal medication like Clotrimazole to see if it helps. Apply a thin layer to the lesion twice a day. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Antifungal-1-Clotrimazole-USP-Cream-1-oz-tube/950932820 Remember two important things: 1. It can take weeks to months for ringworm to resolve. If you are not making much progress with the cream after a couple weeks I would take her to the vet. They can give you an oral medication to use that may be more effective. 2. Ringworm can be contagious to people so wash your hands thoroughly after handling her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi and thank you for the pics, While it is not possible to make a diagnosis based on pictures alone, they do show an inflamed area with lots of hemorrhages. What I'm missing is some background info such as her age, is she alone or with other GPs, where are the lesions on her body (difficult to tell from the pics) and are there several lesions or just one. An accurate diagnosis would require a good history, a physical examination and likely some lab tests such as skin scrapings and cultures. This can only be done in a vet clinic.

Fungal infections can take weeks to months to resolve. Ideally, Obey should be physically examined by your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis. An e-collar (cone) should be placed on him to prevent scratching.

Thanks for reaching out about Tequilla and including a photo. This dermatitis is possible fungal (ringworm). A veterinary visit is needed to diagnose and prescribe a treatment. You can also contact the store for assistance. Good luck.

Looks like ringworm but you must understand that I really can’t be 100% sure just by looking at a photo. You should have your vet examine him. ( https://mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/ringworm-in-rabbits-and-guinea-pigs-transmission-signs-diag )

Hello, Thanks for sending good pictures! I have a couple of suspicions about what is going on with Reeses' skin. Ringworm, which is a type of skin fungus, is very common in guinea pigs. Testing for this involves taking a hair sample from the area for something called a DTM culture test. This infection can spread very quickly over the entire pig's body and also spread to people. Mites are a type of skin parasite that can also affect guinea pigs and cause hair loss. They cause severe itchiness that can sometimes lead to seizures. This is generally tested for with looking at a scrape of the skin under the microscope. Both of these ailments generally require a course of topical and/or oral medications, along with regular cleaning of his environment during the treatment period to prevent re-infection. I would recommend taking Reeses into a veterinarian that's familiar with guinea pigs and having the area examined to determine the best course of diagnostics and treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I hope this is helpful!

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Hamtaro's ear- from the pictures you sent, it looks very red and inflamed. Ear mites may be a cause as well as fungal infections. A veterinarian can rule out ear mites with an ear cytology sample (basically a swab or sample of material from the ear) and a fungal culture of the hair near or around the ear. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. I would try and keep the area clean for now. Mild cleansing cloth or 3% hydrogen peroxide to the affected area may help until a diagnosis can be made with your veterinarian. I hope this helps and best of luck to you!