[Gpdd] (Misc) the great cavy allergy debate

[Stacy Harvey]

When I lived in Maryland my veterinarian was terribly allergic to guinea pigs. And ONLY guinea pigs. He said he didn't know he was allergic until his roommate got one while he was in vet school. He picked it up and held it then almost immediately developed huge welts on his arms. Every time I went into his office he had to suit up like Darth Vader ;>)
   
  He would put on two sets of gloves, a long sleeved lab coat, a mask and one of those big plastic face shields. I would have felt sorry for him, but I spent enough money in that office that I feel it was worth his while. And he never complained about it anyway, at least not that I know of.
   
  A classmate of mine (I am in Vet Tech school in North Carolina now) has a 4 year old granddaughter that they discovered is also highly allergic to piggies. It seems her allergy developed over several handlings of the piggie. At first, the little girl was fine. Then she held the piggie a few days later and her eyes started to water. After they had the pig for about 2 months, the little girl started to get a rash. Now she gets huge welts. She loves that guinea pig and Ginger doesn't have the heart to get rid of him (Charlie is his name). Ginger says she gives Peyton a dose of Benadryl and makes her wear long sleeves and pants then gives her a bath after she holds Charlie.
   
  I know researchers have been unable to determine if it is the actual pig that people are allergic to or some type of reaction between the piggie's urine/feces and the bedding. Has anyone heard anything about the Skinny Pigs and allergies?
   
  Stacy and the Squee Squad

       
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