Crusty nipple

[Millie and Lola]

So one of my female Guinea pigs has....well...CRUSTY NIPPLES
And I am not sure if this is usual or not, she is about 4 years old
What do I do?
Is it serious?

 

[Lady Kelly]

Crusty nipples are usually a sign of hormonal imbalance. I have seen it as a one off with one of my current ones (tiny bit which when cleaned off didn't reappear) and my two original sows developed them as a result of ovarian cysts. If there are no other signs, no weight loss, hair loss, signs of discomfort then I would first clean them and see if the problem reoccurs

 

[Wiebke]

So one of my female Guinea pigs has....well...CRUSTY NIPPLES
And I am not sure if this is usual or not, she is about 4 years old
What do I do?
Is it serious?

Hi! Crusty nipples are usually a sign of a hormonal imbalance, caused by ovarian cysts. These are rather common in older sows although the majority never causes any symptoms or problems.

More information on ovarian cysts and treatment options here: Sow Behaviour (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Millie and Lola]

Crusty nipples are usually a sign of hormonal imbalance. I have seen it as a one off with one of my current ones (tiny bit which when cleaned off didn't reappear) and my two original sows developed them as a result of ovarian cysts. If there are no other signs, no weight loss, hair loss, signs of discomfort then I would first clean them and see if the problem reoccurs

ok thank you for you help what do I do if it comes back after it wash them?

 

[Lady Kelly]

ok thank you for you help what do I do if it comes back after it wash them?

Have a read through the guide @Wiebke has highlighted above and potentially get a vets opinion. Your vet can then have a feel for cysts and/or arrange a scan to check what is going on. If they are small cysts then they could be controlled initially through injections.

 

[Wiebke]

ok thank you for you help what do I do if it comes back after it wash them?

You need to see a vet, preferably an exotics one. If the hormone problem is ongoing/the cyst continues to grow and be active, then the crusts will reform.