Plz Help: Pica spot

MzWiz0915 · 09-02-2011, 04:01 PM

I noticed Pica was acting a bit off yesterday and that her fur on her back was looking a bit thin. On closer inspection I found this bald spot:

All three photos are of the same bald spot with the fur brushed a different way. Sorry the pics are poor quality, she wasn't very happy about having me touch it and holding her still

I think that she has mites, but I'm not 100% sure. There is no reddness, flaking, swelling, scratches or visible mites.

I made an appointment with the vet for Pica, but the earliest she can be seen is Tuesday at 4pm. I'm concerned because she's seeming more uncomfortable today than yesterday, scratching more and frequently stopping to shake (like a wet dog does). Plus, I think it's affecting her sleep too.

Is there any way I can help keep her comfortable until her appointment?!

Do you think this is too emergent to wait for Tuesday?!

Lil Miss · 09-02-2011, 04:12 PM

looks like it could be mites to me too, i would suggest treating her with a xeno spot on for now, it is one of the few brands on the market that actually contains ivermectin (the only thing that really kills mites) and see if that makes any difference

you can get them from most good pet stores, or over the counter from the vets

Gillzy · 09-02-2011, 04:15 PM

I think she will be okay until Tuesday, it's not likely to kill her, she may just get a bit more baldy :/

You could try wiping the patch with a cotton bud/ball dipped in cool boiled water? It might help to calm it, if it's itchy. I bought a mite spray (My Little Friend Small Pet Mite Spray) from the pet shop once, which you spray on them once a week or something, you could try getting that. It's horrible though because a couple of sprays and they are drenched. I kept a towel handy and patted Doc down after. You gotta keep them out after too, so they don't go home and wipe it all off.

Ok, ignore me- go with what Lil Miss says, I wasn't sure if the spray was working, didn't know if it was just Doc or not though.

MzWiz0915 · 09-02-2011, 05:30 PM

could you post a link to the xeno spot on product? I can't find it on google, amazon or any of the websites for the big petstores where I am.

Lil Miss · 09-02-2011, 07:55 PM

Errm easier said then done, on my phone atm but ill try lol

With any luck this should take you to google shopper, although it may be the mobile version of the site lol

xeno 50 mini - Products

May be an idea to call round the stores in the morning and ask if any of them stock it

MzWiz0915 · 09-02-2011, 08:04 PM

Thank you!

Now that I know what I'm looking for I will try to find it tomorrow. It wouldn't make sense to order from the UK, by the time it gets here Pica will have seen the vet.

I know this in probably minor and nothing too serious, but I am literally worried sick about her...

racinghamster · 09-03-2011, 04:34 AM

Just wanted to add that I use this Xeno50 spot on for my mice and it`s very good. It`s veterinary strength (Ivermectin) and you only need one drop or two drops for a small hamster under 20 to 40 grams in weight. It comes with an easy to follow dosage chart and is available from Amazon.co.uk. The US equivellant might stock it, but I think it`s licenced in the UK and Ireland? Have a look on Amazon.com anyway just incase.

Ask you vet about Xeno50 (Ivermectin) because this is usually what vets use to treat small animals with suspected mites and lice anyway. You may also be dealing with a fungal infection (Ringworm) which can cause hairloss and forms a small `ring` of hairloss but has a destinctive reddish ring around the patch of hair. Fungal infections are a bit more tricky to treat, but can be treated with creams and powders. The Xeno50 is only for killing parasitic infestations.

Xeno50 is the best spot-on treatment for home use. There are others on the market but they are weaker solutions. I would always go with the Xeno50 now. My mouse started to scratch very badly a few months ago and thanks to an online friend of mine, she sent me two Xeno50 pipettes through the post and within 48 hours, my mouse had stopped itching. It`s really good stuff.

Lil Miss · 09-03-2011, 05:12 AM

It doesnt look like ringworm to me to be honest, but ringworm is actually really easy to treat.
All you need is athletes foot cream, i will always recomend daktarin. Apply it 3-4 times a day wearing plastic gloves, as we can catch ringworm.

Also, on animals runqirm rarely forms rings like it does on humans

fluffymunchkins · 09-03-2011, 11:57 AM

It looks like it could be mites to me too, xeno works well but you might only be able to get that from the vets.
This has been reccommended to me as another good product Johnsons Insecticidal Spray Extra | Pets at Home

souffle · 09-03-2011, 12:25 PM

Have you also checked her wheel spindle is not rubbing on her back or catching and ripping her fur out and irritating the skin. Have a good look to see if there is any fur wrapped round the spindle. Just a thought in case it is this as it is easily fixed.