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Bald Patches

  • Thread starter Thread starter squirrelwarrior
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squirrelwarrior

Ive noticed over the past week one of my pigs has got 2 bold patches on each side of her back end.
The skin doesnt look inflamed or irratated.
She can reached the patches and to be honest it looks like she's done it to herself.
I have no idea why and havent seen her do it.
She lives with another female who has no signs of balding.
Can anyone help me.
I dont think is mites as its isolated to the 2 spots.
I'm lost!

(sorry i posted this in the wrong place first time and couldnt delete it)
 
It is quite common for mites to cause the pig to bite at her own skin, as mites can be very irritating! As she has only the bald spots where she has been biting at herself, it sounds like you have probably caught it early, which is good.

A good first step would be to have her treated with Ivermectin, at least two doses around 10 days apart. The vet can either give this by injection or topically, often with a product called Xeno 450 (or Xeno 50 if she is under 700g). You can also buy Xeno online, but seeking advice from a reputable vet would be preferable in the first instance.
 
Guinea pigs do have bald patches behind their ears ( peter gurney - caring for your guinea pig book). If there is no sign of irritation or scratching or flakes of skin etc then leave well alone.

My Gertie has massive patches compared to the other pigs. However, I decided to ask the vet what he thought. And she is fine. Apparently the patches show up more in Abyssian type breeds.
 
Guinea pigs do have bald patches behind the ears, this is normal.
However the question relates to bald patches at the back end of the pig, which are not normal, so even though there is neither inflammation nor irritation, the cause needs to be determined and treated appropriately.
Mites would be a reasonable diagnosis.
 
Big apologies from not reading post correctly. rolleyes

However another thing to consider is proportion of dry mix food to greens. The richness of the dry foods can trigger bald patches - according to the RSPCA care for your guinea pig book.
 
You can guess my reaction to the RSPCA book, Care for your Guinea Pig, from the following quote from the book;

"A small to medium-sized rabbit is a good companion, providing the animals are introduced when young. Even unlikely-looking companions like tortoises and poultry are better than solitude".

Does anyone agree with that?
 
The food thing worked though. i really on Peter Gurney now. Best book I ever bought.
 
And no I don't think Tortoises make good companions. it's a silly idea.
 
They may have some facts wrong but i think the tortoise thing was meant they shouldnt be alone they were just saying it in a different way. But they are doing a good thing saving homeless animals out there
 
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