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Ears going black around edges

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pelicano

pelicano

Adult Guinea Pig
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OK, this is one I haven't experienced before. :{ Sukie (in avatar), who is coming up for 5 years old, has got black rims around her ears, ie the outer edges. I noticed it yesterday and I think they are darker today.

Any ideas? :{
 
no ideas as what it could be, I would do a photo diary so you can monitor any changes over the next few days and maybe compare with some old pictures you have?

hope it is nothing sinister, best of luck
 
It could be dry skin, sun-burn or circulatory problems ie the heart is not pumping as well as it did and the blood supply is not quite adequate, leading to the death of the skin at the periphery of the ears. That sounds worse than it looks!
 
We have had this happen before in PEWs its been the himmy markings coming through. Do they seem normal otherwise
 
alcesterpigs said:
It could be dry skin, sun-burn or circulatory problems ie the heart is not pumping as well as it did and the blood supply is not quite adequate, leading to the death of the skin at the periphery of the ears. That sounds worse than it looks!
Click to expand...

I think it could be that the ears are dying (ie your last point). I've just noticed one of ears has a broken edge now, ie the ear has split slightly. :(

Thanks to everyone for the replies.
 
Yes, the edges become quite hard and crusty and, sometimes, bits and pieces break off. The edges can almost look as though they have been deliberately cut and left with a ragged edge.
 
alcesterpigs said:
Yes, the edges become quite hard and crusty and, sometimes, bits and pieces break off. The edges can almost look as though they have been deliberately cut and left with a ragged edge.
Click to expand...

That sounds like it, as her ears have been a bit hard at the edges for a little while now.

This doesn't sound great news for her, but I guess is to be expected. :(

Will try to get some photos.
 
It is part of the ageing process, there is nothing you (any of us)can do to hold back the march of time. Try putting Aloe Vera Ointment on the affected area, it may help to keep the healthy skin more pliable.
 
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