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Is this something to worry about

N

nlkiser198343

Junior Guinea Pig
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There's this black dirty spot under his hair. Idk if that's his butt and that's poop or if it's some type of wound. I thought his butt would be down lower by his genitals and this is more by the bottom of his back. I'm trying to clean with a wet cloth but it doesn't come off easy. I'm pretty sure it's poop tho and not infected puss or anything. I noticed it a few weeks ago and he's seemed fine. Still going to the bathroom
 

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It looks like you’ve found your guinea pigs grease gland. Many people are confused by this when they first get guinea pigs so you’re not the only one! It is a small gland on the lower back that produces scent (I may be wrong though), it can get a little crusty though (especially in boars).

Cleaning is not often needed, only if it is very crusty or becomes infected. It can be done with a damp cloth and warm water, though if there are large flakes they may be able to be very carefully removed with a fingernail.

The anus and genitals are in the same area (sort of), but under the guinea pig.

Guinea pigs should be given a basic weekly health check and weighing. This should start at the nose and work backwards to the anus/genitals and grease gland. Including ears, eyes, teeth, lips, skin, coat, feet, claws, lymph node areas (dewlap, behind the front legs, in-front of the hind legs), nipples, grease gland, anus and genitals. As well as allowing you to observe any developing health issues, doing this weekly health check will familiarise you with the anatomy of your guinea pig, meaning you will know when something looks unusual and could signify an illness.
They should ideally be weighed once per week, just place them on normal kitchen scales (directly on them or in a bowl) and record the weight of each pig each week. If you guinea pig becomes unwell you will often see wright loss before you see any obvious symptoms so it can be treated before it gets any worse.
 
It's hard to tell from the picture but if it's where a tail would be it's likely to be his grease gland. I don't know how to link it but if you click on guinea pig into them daily care guide there is a section on guinea pig body quirks. There is then a section on grease glands. Hope this helps.
 
That's good to know. I was concerned it might be mites or something. It is very crusty tho. I cut a big clot of hair with what I thought was poop out with scissors. It is a big crusty black spot really under the hair. Maybe I'll try trimming around there a little bit carefully
 
fluffysal said:
It's hard to tell from the picture but if it's where a tail would be it's likely to be his grease gland. I don't know how to link it but if you click on guinea pig into them daily care guide there is a section on guinea pig body quirks. There is then a section on grease glands. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
That's exactly where it is.
 
One of my boys has to have bum baths to keep his clean, the other doesn't 🤷
 
Pantalaimon said:
It looks like you’ve found your guinea pigs grease gland. Many people are confused by this when they first get guinea pigs so you’re not the only one! It is a small gland on the lower back that produces scent (I may be wrong though), it can get a little crusty though (especially in boars).

Cleaning is not often needed, only if it is very crusty or becomes infected. It can be done with a damp cloth and warm water, though if there are large flakes they may be able to be very carefully removed with a fingernail.

The anus and genitals are in the same area (sort of), but under the guinea pig.

Guinea pigs should be given a basic weekly health check and weighing. This should start at the nose and work backwards to the anus/genitals and grease gland. Including ears, eyes, teeth, lips, skin, coat, feet, claws, lymph node areas (dewlap, behind the front legs, in-front of the hind legs), nipples, grease gland, anus and genitals. As well as allowing you to observe any developing health issues, doing this weekly health check will familiarise you with the anatomy of your guinea pig, meaning you will know when something looks unusual and could signify an illness.
They should ideally be weighed once per week, just place them on normal kitchen scales (directly on them or in a bowl) and record the weight of each pig each week. If you guinea pig becomes unwell you will often see wright loss before you see any obvious symptoms so it can be treated before it gets any worse.
Click to expand...

Hi

This looks like an overactive grease gland to me.

Please take the time to look at the reference picture in our boar care guide and follow the tips on how to best deal with it. Please do clean it with coconut oil but do not over-clean it all the time because that in turn can stimulate the overproduction further.

Here are our health monitoring and care guide links which you will find very helpful in learning what to look out for and when you need to step in with care:
Weight - Monitoring and Management
Guinea pig body quirks - What is normal and what not?
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
Early Signs Of Illness

The very practical with our how-to advice are all part of our very helpful New Owners guide collection. You may want to bookmark the accesslink, browse, read and re-read the guides since you will take away different things at different stages of experience. A lot of the information is actually pretty fascinating once you get into it.
Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners
 
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