Bald Patch: Skin issue?

[Bookworm92]

Hi there,

I was wondering whether someone could advise me on a skin issue on one of my guinea pigs.

I have a white male American guinea pig who is about 8 months old. I picked him up the other day and he had a pink bald patch on his side. He doesn't seem to be in any pain. He's eating, drinking, going to the toilet and squeaking as usual. When I was cleaning him out today, I noticed it had got a little bigger. I'm not sure if this is a skin issue or if he's been over-grooming. He's in with another boy and the other seems fine. No bald patches.

The bald patch is about the size of a 20p coin. It's pink, it's not flaking or red/bleeding. Just looks like the furs been 'shaved' away (sorry, not quite sure on the best way to describe it). He's never had anything like this before, and like I said he otherwise seems normal.

Is this a maybe watch and wait situation?

Thanks!

 

[My Piggies]

Hi and welcome
I can't offer any advice but I'll tag @Piggies&buns @Wiebke @PigglePuggle who maybe able to help you. If you are worried, it's best to have him seen by a vet.
It may help to attach a picture of what you are describing

Good luck to you and your piggy

 

[Wiebke]

Hi there,

I was wondering whether someone could advise me on a skin issue on one of my guinea pigs.

I have a white male American guinea pig who is about 8 months old. I picked him up the other day and he had a pink bald patch on his side. He doesn't seem to be in any pain. He's eating, drinking, going to the toilet and squeaking as usual. When I was cleaning him out today, I noticed it had got a little bigger. I'm not sure if this is a skin issue or if he's been over-grooming. He's in with another boy and the other seems fine. No bald patches.

The bald patch is about the size of a 20p coin. It's pink, it's not flaking or red/bleeding. Just looks like the furs been 'shaved' away (sorry, not quite sure on the best way to describe it). He's never had anything like this before, and like I said he otherwise seems normal.

Is this a maybe watch and wait situation?

Thanks!

Hi and welcome

Could you please post a clear picture of the patch and also one that shows where exactly on the body it is located.
Please use the Attach files button under your post when you write it.

Right now, the description is too vague for any answer that is more than a wild stab in the dark, which is not what you are looking for.

Thank you.

 

[PigglePuggle]

Any unexplained bald patches should be checked out promptly by a vet. It could be the start of mites, or a fungal issue like ringworm, or often piggies barber fur from a body area causing them discomfort. You may not see the barbering happen, it might be something they do at night or when nobody is there, as piggies often hide pain and discomfort from us. Or it could be a misjudged bite from a companion- a simple tussle over food or a favourite bed that went a bit too far.
Always a vet check is the best thing to do first