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Expert: Nicole Bury - 10/28/2009


Question
My guinea pig Squeaky is losing hair, but his brother blizzard is not. Last time we took them too the vet(they were both sick)and it was mites. But this time I don't think it's the case this time. Squeaky is usually fat and is the more dominant of the two.He is losing hair and a lot of weight. I'm worried about him but the vet charges a lot to see them. Please help!

Answer
Hello Ethan!
I know what you mean about those vets eh? I had to wait two weeks just to take my girl to the vet because of prices!
I am afriad one is required this time though. Take Squeaky to the vet as soon as you can afford, espically is he is losing weight.
I wuldnt mind shedding a couple of pounds now and then, but for giunea pigs this could mean a list of things so long and random that it could be a deep internal parasite to a hiccup gone wrong.
I suspect that it is mange mites agian, also it may be something fungal. Take Squeaky to the vet and present all the symtoms and the two possible diagnoses. Buy two of the treatment though, it may just be (and most likely is) that Squeaky is farther along in the infection.  

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Nicole Bury

Expertise

I can answer every question anyone has! I am always willing to hit the books for other owners! I and my husband between me have 6 guinea pigs and one expecting, that we intend to keep 2 of. I can help with idle questions, everyday problems to serious health problems but I always suggest seeing a vet!

Experience

I have had 14 guinea pigs in my life with more to come. I have volunteered at the local shelter just to work with the small animals on a weekly basis and I have been to countless vets to soak up there advice, as well as looking in my 50 something books on guinea pigs. I know almost everything I can wrap my head around about guinea pigs! Sometimes my husband, who is an exotic bird vet/guinea pig fanatic helps me with the questions to!

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None. Unfortunately ;)

Education/Credentials
I have taken community courses for pet care, including small animals, but I have not been to school formal education (I am not a vet). Currently I am in the process of becoming a published author and I have my degree in creative writing. Someday I will have my masters. I teach local classes for advanced creative writing and literature for teens.

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