guinea pig problem

Question
Hello, a month ago I had explained to you about my guinea pig who had a case of hair-loss around her body and an infection on her genital area.

(a few pictures can be found in this link http://www.guinealynx.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=67551&postdays=0&postorder=asc)

We applied the ivermectin, the monistat 7 and the anti-biotic ointment. Her hair is a bit sorta growing back but her genital area does not look so good. It is white and seems infected and when we apply the monistat 7 she squeaks loud. I believe you said something about a sitz bath as a treatment option as well. I had also told you that she may have a case of bladder stones or so, but it may seem unlikely because she lived long enough to seem to not have it.

I thought the monistat 7 daily would be enough, but it does not seem to be working. We also treat her with pour-on ivermectin What do you think the problem is exactly? Again, the genital area is white and seems infected. She still has hairloss around her body. She maintains a normal weight and eats well. Should I go ahead and do the sitz bath or is this another type of problem that needs a different treatment?

Again, 2 years ago she seemed to have had an infection, but it went away after 2 months of treating it with monistat 7. This time it seems worse or a different problem.

Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
If I'm understanding you correctly you are saying that you did not do the sitz baths? These baths are not another treatment option but must be done in conjunction with the Monistat.

Personally I prefer the Lotrisone ointment to Monistat, but neither are effective if you can't get them onto the surface that needs the treatment. And the only way to do that is to clean it thoroughly with the water bath and THEN apply the medication.

Ivermectin is useless for a genital fungal infection. I looked at the pictures on the link you sent and that is mange, not just ordinary mites. There are many different types of mites, as you've already read. What your pig has appears to be more than the easily treated mite that is typical in guinea pigs.

I think I am confusing two different issues: one of a fungal infection on the genitals and the other is a systemic mange issue. For mange Ivermectin is the best choice but for severe cases is usually given by injection.

Most vets will tell you that many animals carry mites all the time but are not a problem unless there is an immunity issue. They can become systemic and kill the animal. If this poor little girl has been suffering with this for a long time her immunity is so compromised she may not be able to get through it.

I think at this point your best bet is to continue treatment with your vet. Although the people on the GL site are experienced and have also given you the best of their advice, you're at a cross road and would be better served by leaning on your vet's advice and treatment.

We online are treating by description and pictures, while your vet is able to treat hands on. To do otherwise is 'doctor hopping' and may not be in your best interest.