Bald and bleeding patch on 3 month old guinea pig

[blueshark]

Hello,
I got a female baby guinea pig about a month ago who is now approximately 3 months old (called Sputnik). She is housed with a 2 year old adult guinea pig who is also female (called Laika). 3 days ago I noticed a bald patch about the size of a 5p coin, approximately mm in diameter. I have monitored her since and have not noticed a change in size, but I have noticed that it has started to bleed. She is still gaining weight (as expected for a 3 month old guinea pig). Sputnik does not have balding in any other areas and her nose, mouth, feet and ears all appear to be normal. She is still eating and drinking perfectly fine too. Laika does not have any balding, is also keeping a consistent weight and her nose, mouth, feet and ears all appear to be normal.

I am a bit confused as to what it could be because from what I have read from researching online online:
- ringworm normally starts around the nose, eyes and mouth, which are all fine on sputnik
- she is only 3 months old so its no ovarian cysts.
- its unlikely to be urine burn because laika is unaffected, the baulding is only in one area of her belly and the feet are unaffected
- I doubt it due to humping behaviour to show dominance as I have not observed this behaviour since there initial introduction (but it is worth noting that I am not with them every hour, so it could happen while I'm not present)
- I doubt it is over grooming as I have not seen sputnik itching, biting or scratching the bald patch (but again it could happen when I'm not looking).
- I am assuming its not barbering because the bald patch is on sputniks belly, which is hard to reach and there are no signs anywhere else on her body.
I thought it could be mites as the baby has a weaker immune system which could explain why the adult is unaffected?

It is also worth mentioning that neither guinea pigs are lethargic or have had behavioural changes past sputnik gaining confidence in a new environment. There have been no fights between the two, but the occasional rumbling and nose jabbing from Laika.



I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to possible causes or if there was anything I should try treatment wise before a vets appointment? I am also hesitant about separating them due to sputnik being an adolescence at only 3 months old but would the benefits outweigh the costs?
Many thanks!

I have attached the most recent photos

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

Ringworm commonly starts in the areas you mention but actually does not have to - it can actually start anywhere:
This does indeed look like a fungal infection and likely ringworm.

Please have your piggies seen by a vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Please do not attempt any treatment before seeing a vet - doing so will wipe the evidence a vet needs to make a diagnosis and this could risk you getting the wrong diagnosis.
Importantly, creaming ringworm is a totally ineffective way of treating it as spores are shed from a wider area than you cream thus perpetuating the infection anyway.
We will never recommend any home Treatment nor treatment prior to vet appointment.

Please do not separate them. Both piggies are already exposed to it so separating now will serve no purpose. You will need to get both piggies treated. The incubation period for ringworm is 10-14 days.

I have added a link to our guide to help further with information on the stringent hygiene measures you need to take given ringworm is highly transmissible to humans and that spores can live in the environment for up to two years

Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

Please take the time to read our step-by-step ringworm guide so you can avoid turning this into a long running exasperating saga.

The problem with ringworm is that is so highly contagious, species jumping (including to humans) and the invisibly tiny spores are very long-lived and can cause a new outbreak over 2 years later. Because of that, hygiene is so crucial in getting on top of it; this is not an issue where you can skip and get away with it.

There is also a gap of 10-14 days between infection and acute outbreak. Seeing the crust on your piggy's head, it is highly likely that the companion has already picked up spores but is currently still in the incubation period. Separating them is therefore meaningless; you have to treat both the same. With a little luck you can break the cycle with the companion before they develop their own ringworm patch and start producing thousands of spores.

The guide contains detailed treatment, hygiene and transmission information (including to humans). Here is the link again: Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

Please see a vet and bookmark this, your ongoing support thread, so we can keep all information to one case in the same place. We are here for any of the 'little' questions and more major concerns along the way, as well as for moral support whenever you feel overwhelmed.

 

[blueshark]

thank you so much I have booked her a vet appointment for tomorrow.