Ear Question

[BasicPiper]

So today Kevin had started to do a head tilt, ear scratching thing and I already made an appointment with the vet for Monday. However, my sister is concerned that her guinea pig could catch whatever it is that Kevin might already have and wants to separate them. So my question is: are ear problems contagious between guinea pigs? I don't want them to be separated and my reasoning is that they live together so Meg would already be exposed to whatever Kevin has and therefore there'd be no point in separating them other than to cause unnecessary stress.

Thanks for all your input. ^-^

 

[Wiebke]

So today Kevin had started to do a head tilt, ear scratching thing and I already made an appointment with the vet for Monday. However, my sister is concerned that her guinea pig could catch whatever it is that Kevin might already have and wants to separate them. So my question is: are ear problems contagious between guinea pigs? I don't want them to be separated and my reasoning is that they live together so Meg would already be exposed to whatever Kevin has and therefore there'd be no point in separating them other than to cause unnecessary stress.

Thanks for all your input. ^-^

Please be aware that Kevin could have a painful ear infection; any head tilt should be treated as soon as possible.
I would not separate, as you rightly say - ear infection is not transmittable. Ear mites are rather more common where rabbits are close to guinea pigs; in that case, it is easier to treat them both.

 

[BasicPiper]

Yup, I got my bases covered and, like I said, she's scheduled to see our vet on Monday, which was the soonest appointment available. Thank you for your concern and advice. =]

 

[BasicPiper]

Okay so I took Kevin to the vet (who is amazing!) and since her head tilt wasn’t consistent (She’d only do it sporadically a few times every few days) he said just to keep an eye on her and if it seemed to get worse in, say a week or two, he’d prescribe some antibiotics. So far she hasn’t done it since yesterday so I’m just keeping fingers crossed.