Bald patch on right thigh - help appreciated

[Aleisha]

While doing a health check on my piggy I discovered a bald patch on her right thigh.

She is around 4 1/2 years old, lives on her own sadly and I’ve looked in around her fur to see if there are any signs of mites but it all looks clear but she does seem to be quite irritated in that area (itching and licking).

I gave her a bath about a week ago with the same shampoo I normally use and have just applied some mite treatment just in case.

She seems happy in herself, being a cheeky madam and trying to kick the hay out of her cage for attention and eating/drinking normally. I’ve had many minor problems with her in the past leading to large vet bills but I don’t know if it’s just because of her age.

Advice would be appreciated as I don’t want another trip to the vets if it can be helped at home.

*Pictures attached*

Thanks all

 

[bonnieandpoppy]

oh dear, don’t know much about this but will tag some people that i hope can help you
@Betsy @Wiebke @Merab's Slave @Flutterby

 

[Betsy]

Whilst I appreciate your faith in me being able to help @bonnieandpoppy I am afraid I am going to have to disappoint.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

At 4.5yrs old, age wouldn't be an issue as far as I'm concerned. Again, maybe self barbering...? Just a thought, but then again if she's over grooming because her skin is irritating her...then again boredom could well be a factor and the fact she lives on her own could be an issue too.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I’d say it’s likely to be mites or maybe running lice

 

[Merrypigs Sanctuary]

Possibly a hormonal issue? Our Toffee has an ovarian cyst on her right ovary which has a balding patch over it! Her skin underneath is warm and soft and it doesn't bother her, and the hair loss seems to go in cycles

 

[Lady Kelly]

My initial thought was ovarian cysts from seeing the pictures. I would have thought with lice or mites that you would have seen more frequent scratching/biting at the area

 

[Aleisha]

Thanks for the replies! This is the first time I’ve actually bathed her in about 8 months as I don’t want to do it too often and as I’ve used the shampoo before I don’t think it’s irritated her skin.

We have tried to pair her with a couple of guinea pigs but she is very aggressive towards them to the point where I had to split her up from the piggy she was with since she was a baby. She much prefers human company and gets regular cuddles and interaction with me.

It could be a possibly with ovarian cysts but I don’t know much about them. More information would be helpful or other opinions

 

[Aleisha]

Thanks for the replies! This is the first time I’ve actually bathed her in about 8 months as I don’t want to do it too often and as I’ve used the shampoo before I don’t think it’s irritated her skin. Her skin is warm and soft on the bald patch.

We have tried to pair her with a couple of guinea pigs but she is very aggressive towards them to the point where I had to split her up from the piggy she was with since she was a baby. She much prefers human company and gets regular cuddles and interaction with me.

It could be a possibly with ovarian cysts but I don’t know much about them. More information would be helpful or other opinions

 

[Aleisha]

Also her skin is warm and soft on the bald patch.

 

[Lady Kelly]

You need the vets to examine and take an ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts. If you can find a cavy savvy vet you have better options for treating as they may then consider hormonal injections instead of spaying depending on your piggies situation/condition