Start of bald patch back of one of guinea pigs legs

[michaelsf90]

We have two male guineas. In a c&c cage with a loft. Half fleece blanket on bottom, half hay, and a tray with sawdust. Spot cleaned everyday and fed veggies, timmy hay and nuggets/muesli everyday. One of them is more social with us than the other. One always runs off. Both are handled at least twice a week. The more social one with us is biting himself/overgrooming a section behind one of his back legs. Quite low down the back. I have pictures which may not be the best. We got some anti parasite spot on which contains ivermectin. That was put on them a month ago. Only one has the start of a bald patch. The owner which is the more shy one is perfectly fine. The cage also has two tunnels. A wood stick tunnel which they can chew for their teeth and a ball with a bell in they roll around. I'm considering a vet visit but would lice or mites not affect both? Could it be boredom. Do they need handling everyday? Thanks for any advice

 

[michaelsf90]

Sorry I don't know how or if you can upload photos

 

[Claire W]

Hello and welcome. Please don't home treat on spec as pet shop products aren't strong enough, only prescription strength products prescribed by a vet are strong enough. It could be mites or fungal or he could be in pain and is chewing the area.

To upload a photo, click on the 'attach files' button in the green box in the bottom left of the screen but I advise a vet check

 

[michaelsf90]

I didn't see that before. Thank you. I will upload pictures now. It looks as tho its the start. He's only short haired and it's quite wirey. I know they groom themselves a lot

 

[Claire W]

I would have him checked out by a vet to rule out mites. If he does require mite treatment, both pigs will need to be treated

 

[michaelsf90]

Being the time of year it is we will probably have to wait a few weeks. We figured it could be that but I don't understand why it would only affect one. If it isn't mites what could it be? From my own research it means it could be with them being both males if the other one keeps asserting his dominance that could be stressing him and the other is boredom. We occasionally hear what I can only describe as noises predator makes. Other than that they squeak quite loudly when it's feeding time

 

[Claire W]

It could be barbering caused by him or his friend Barbering ( Eating Hair) but I would want to rule out mites before making that assumption

 

[michaelsf90]

From what we've seen it's him licking himself. Their is no damage to the skin. The skin under appears totally fine. Wel get him checked at the vets in the new year

 

[Claire W]

It could be a pain response if you have noticed him licking at the area but a vet should be able to tell you for sure

 

[michaelsf90]

Thank you. Il let you know how we get on it may be a few weeks tho. Thank you for the advice

 

[Siikibam]

Hope he’s sorted out soon. I’ll link to recommended vets below.

Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

PS beautiful colouring. Is he a teddy?

 

[Wiebke]

Being the time of year it is we will probably have to wait a few weeks. We figured it could be that but I don't understand why it would only affect one. If it isn't mites what could it be? From my own research it means it could be with them being both males if the other one keeps asserting his dominance that could be stressing him and the other is boredom. We occasionally hear what I can only describe as noises predator makes. Other than that they squeak quite loudly when it's feeding time

Hi!

It could be mange or hay mites, barbering (self-barbering from pain or barbering from a companion). I would also not exclude mechanical abrasion from rubbing against something in the cage.

Here is more in-depth information on aspects that I or you have mentioned:
- New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights
- Barbering ( Eating Hair)

- Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
- " Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)

For understanding social interactive behaviours and boar specials:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?


Our very useful comprehensive practical information For bookmarking, browsing, reading and re-reading at need. Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides