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Post by spottydegu on Jul 1, 2017 8:25:53 GMT
About 4 months ago Chip started getting hair loss behind her ear. Over the last week or so, I think it has spread and now there is a small patch on her nose. I will try to get photos at some point.
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Post by spottydegu on Jul 1, 2017 8:35:04 GMT
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Post by Bexi87 on Jul 1, 2017 9:25:42 GMT
How does her skin look?
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Post by randomname on Jul 1, 2017 13:06:30 GMT
As Bexi says, we need more information as a few things can cause this.
First is there any thing different over the last 4 months that has maybe increased in the last week? (such as fighting, stress, new toy or cage accessory that she's using more? New food, forage or hay or people in the house? literally anything?)
Is the skin healthy? if not, might be parasite or infection (but that's unlikely) Do any of her cage mates have the same issues?
Does her cage mate groom her? Is she 'top dog' or a lower goo? Could be dominance grooming.
Seems unlikely to be doing it herself as she can't really reach behind her ear with her mouth.
It could also be from the way she does something - for instance we had a degu with hair loss on the nose due to cage chewing, it was rubbing on the bars.
Do you have a vet nearby? I'd maybe look at a vet's appointment if it gets worse or if there are any other symptoms, but for now I'd just keep a very close eye on it & try to work out what it might be.
I think most of my time is spent watching my lot, usually spying round a corner so I can see how they are without me there! You have to spend a lot of time just watching to pick up on things, they hide everything so well. I feel like Sherlock Holmes half the time!
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Hair loss
Jul 1, 2017 14:30:10 GMT
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Post by spottydegu on Jul 1, 2017 14:30:10 GMT
Over the last 5 months we have moved house 3 times but that came to an end last month. The skin seems healthy but I'm not too sure what too look for. It is slightly blue but smooth and clear. Drum doesn't have this issue. Drum is the top dog - not chip. They do groom each other once a day. It is a bit of a grooming session and I did once see drum grooming the patch with the hair loss. She chews the bars alot. There is a vet about 1/2 a mile down the rose.
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Post by bouncy on Jul 1, 2017 18:45:35 GMT
From what I can see in the photos, and what you describe, this could be stress related. Whether by over grooming or alopecia.
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Hair loss
Jul 1, 2017 20:27:25 GMT
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Post by spottydegu on Jul 1, 2017 20:27:25 GMT
Will it settle down and grow back over the next few months?
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Post by bouncy on Jul 1, 2017 20:55:09 GMT
If they become settled and have no more stresses, then it will likely grow back. The skin looks healthy enough. Just bear in mind there could be something in the background in your new place that is making them nervous. The nose will grow back more quickly if you can provide an alternative place to chew than bars
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Post by spottydegu on Jul 2, 2017 8:21:58 GMT
What type of place they have loads of chew toys buy prefer the bars?
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Post by bouncy on Jul 2, 2017 9:54:21 GMT
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Post by moletteuk on Jul 2, 2017 10:46:12 GMT
From what I can see on the photos the skin looks OK. Could you just double check for me there isn't a darker circle behind the ear? I'm not sure if I can see this on the photo. I can see dark patches on the feet too, is that from self barbering? The bare skin looks a bit dark and pink. If in doubt get her checked out at the vet.
Are they in a nice quiet place in the house? Lots of hiding places in the cage? Maybe you can try some new forage or seeds for them as a distraction, or some nice, big fresh branches with leaves on?
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Post by spottydegu on Jul 3, 2017 16:22:55 GMT
There isn't a black circle, they both pulled their leg hair out but it is growing up. There are 6 or 7 hiding places but I will get more tubes and distractions.
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Hair loss
Jul 26, 2017 12:26:07 GMT
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Post by spottydegu on Jul 26, 2017 12:26:07 GMT
The hair loss has spread by about 3mm. Should I take her to the vet?
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Hair loss
Jul 26, 2017 12:46:40 GMT
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Post by bouncy on Jul 26, 2017 12:46:40 GMT
How is the skin looking and feeling?
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Hair loss
Jul 26, 2017 14:46:15 GMT
via mobile
Post by spottydegu on Jul 26, 2017 14:46:15 GMT
The skin is pinker this time.
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Post by moletteuk on Jul 26, 2017 15:52:02 GMT
Yes, I think it's worth a trip to the vet at this point, if only to rule a couple of things out and put your mind at rest.
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Post by bouncy on Jul 26, 2017 18:39:57 GMT
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