Why does my guinea pig have a scab behind his ear?
Guinea pigs can suffer from fleas and lice and are particularly susceptible to developing mite infestations. Some parasites live under the skin of guinea pigs, including ringworm, which is a fungal infection. Scabs are most commonly found around the head, face and ears but can spread across the back and legs.
Do guinea pigs like scratches behind ears?
Most guinea pigs prefer a good scratch behind the ears or gentle petting on the back. Find the level of contact your pet is most comfortable with, and he will grow to enjoy his time out of the cage.
How big is the scab on my guinea pig’s back?
The scab looks like it’s healing but the patch has definitely gotten bigger and spread up to the small bald patch you can see and also downwards too. Any ideas? I’m worried the fact it’s spread makes it more likely to be mites; should I persist with the cream with only using it for a day and a half or should I take her back to the vets?
Are there any skin problems in guinea pigs?
Cage mates must also be checked as lice and mites will migrate to every animal in the habitat. The skin of the guinea pig is very thin and sensitive (which is why they were extensively used in the cosmetic industry for testing) and will break down very easily.
What does a lump on a guinea pig’s back mean?
Look around its head and neck for abscesses, which can be soft or firm and rise up from under the skin. A lump on your guinea pig’s back could be a cyst, which contains skin oils and is often the size of a pea.
Why does my guinea pig keep scratching her back?
She seems quite normal and happy in herself, eating and drinking and running around the cage but I do think it’s irritating her as she knocked a part of the scab off scratching last night. They’re both booked into the vets this afternoon so hopefully he’ll be able to shed some light.
Why does my guinea pig have a scab on her back?
They’re not the closest of pigs, they don’t cuddle up together like some do but I’m very surprised that she’s been bitten, they often bicker but I’ve never seen them fight or look like they’re going to. He did mention mange looking similar to this but as there’s only one patch he doesn’t think that’s what it is.
What should I do if my guinea pig has skin problems?
Be aware before introducing any new guinea pigs if they seem to have any skin conditions. Before introducing food or bedding into the cage, make a habit of freezing it for a day. The extreme cold temperatures will kill off any potential parasites that may have been lurking in the packages. Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended.
What kind of lice does a guinea pig have?
Lice or mites can be easy to avoid and treat. Lice, sarcoptic mange mites (scabies), and Demodex mange mites (Demodex) are conditions that can all cause itching and hair loss. Lice and their eggs are usually seen in the bald patches behind your guinea pig’s ears and the mites can be seen microscopically all over the body.
Why does my guinea pig itch all the time?
If your guinea pig has hair loss and is itching or scratching a lot, it may have lice or mites. 1 The thought of having these things in your house—much less on the guinea pig—may make you itch all over. Lice or mites can be easy to avoid and treat.
What causes sores on guinea pigs?
Pododermatitis, or bumblefoot, in which sores develop on the bottom of the feet from pressure, is common in guinea pigs. It occurs most often in overweight animals housed on wire-bottomed or dirty cages that abrade the feet, making them susceptible to chronic, deep bacterial infection that causes lameness and pain.
How do you treat fungal infections in guinea pigs?
Topical. The following have been recommended: 2% miconazole (Daktarin) cream applied daily, 0.2% enilconazole (Imaverol) dip, 2% chlorhexidine + 2% miconazole shampoo (Malaseb), 2% lime sulphur dips (Lime plus) all applied weekly.
Is it normal for guinea pigs to have bald spots?
If your guinea pig has bald spots, then this could be due to mange mites or a fungal infection, both of which are easily treatable with a special shampoo. An exception is that sometimes guinea pigs may have a bald patch on their behind, caused by the substance they use to mark their territory.
How often should you wash guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs only need to be bathed once a month in the summer, and every two months in the winter. This is unless your pet needs of an anti-parasite bath, or if you’ve been told by a vet to bathe them more frequently. In general, too much bathing puts the animals at risk of skin infections and chills.
