Grease gland tail thing

[HumanWithFurryPotats]

I was taking out my Guinea Pig, Alexa, to check on her nose cause it looked like it was bleeding a bit (it wasn’t), but while taking her out I felt her bum, and something weird was there. I found a little tail like thing! I got a tissue and got it off, with a few other dirty things near that area. I thing I left that area bare, near where the tail thing was. I don’t know if I did something wrong, cause after I read up on grease glands, and how you need to use coconut oil to clean it, I didn’t even know that sometimes you need to clean! She is fine by the way.

 

[McGoo_E]

This is what I found on a site I trust:
Quick grease gland checks are a recommended part of normal care and grooming. While it won’t cause problems for most guinea pigs, some pigs with extra active grease glands might need help with keeping it clean. Letting the gunk continuously build up can cause irritation and even infection. It’s also easier to clean if addressed regularly before you’re dealing with a big, clumpy mess!

To find the grease gland, trace your fingers down the spine to the tailbone. Around that area, you may find a spot that is a little sticky. This is normal, but take the opportunity to check for any redness, dry skin, or soreness. A dirty grease gland tends to look like a bunch of dark earwax stuck to the fur on the rump.

Long-haired wheekers may need a little booty trim to make the job easier. While a bum bath may be in order anyway for those pigs with long, luscious locks, you might find it doesn’t totally take care of the grease gland goop. A more effective solution is to break down the grime with a natural degreasing element first. Coconut oil is a safe and popular favorite. Olive oil can also work in a pinch. You may need to let it sit for a bit and even repeat the process the following day until some warm water and a mild detergent can finish the job.

 

[Wiebke]

I was taking out my Guinea Pig, Alexa, to check on her nose cause it looked like it was bleeding a bit (it wasn’t), but while taking her out I felt her bum, and something weird was there. I found a little tail like thing! I got a tissue and got it off, with a few other dirty things near that area. I thing I left that area bare, near where the tail thing was. I don’t know if I did something wrong, cause after I read up on grease glands, and how you need to use coconut oil to clean it, I didn’t even know that sometimes you need to clean! She is fine by the way.

Hi

Can you please take a picture so we have an idea where the problem is and how it looks to give you correct advice?
If it is indeed the grease gland, then here is our forum advice. But your description and location is not clear enough for us to do more than guess - and we can easily get it wrong without being able to see, never mind handling a piggy.
The description could also apply to a burst sebaceous cyst, which will require different treatment.
Bathing (including cleaning grease glands)

This is what I found on a site I trust:
Quick grease gland checks are a recommended part of normal care and grooming. While it won’t cause problems for most guinea pigs, some pigs with extra active grease glands might need help with keeping it clean. Letting the gunk continuously build up can cause irritation and even infection. It’s also easier to clean if addressed regularly before you’re dealing with a big, clumpy mess!

To find the grease gland, trace your fingers down the spine to the tailbone. Around that area, you may find a spot that is a little sticky. This is normal, but take the opportunity to check for any redness, dry skin, or soreness. A dirty grease gland tends to look like a bunch of dark earwax stuck to the fur on the rump.

Long-haired wheekers may need a little booty trim to make the job easier. While a bum bath may be in order anyway for those pigs with long, luscious locks, you might find it doesn’t totally take care of the grease gland goop. A more effective solution is to break down the grime with a natural degreasing element first. Coconut oil is a safe and popular favorite. Olive oil can also work in a pinch. You may need to let it sit for a bit and even repeat the process the following day until some warm water and a mild detergent can finish the job.

Hi!

If you quote other sites (and I am very happy that you do not just pass advice from other places as your own), please always cite the source. You may trust the place but we don't have the possibility to check up on it.

 

[Nassala]

If you quote other sites (and I am very happy that you do not just pass advice from other places as your own), please always cite the source. You may trust the place but we don't have the possibility to check up on it.

It looks like McGoo has linked to the site in the post, the first bit of info is from Guinea lynx.

 

[McGoo_E]

Hi

Can you please take a picture so we have an idea where the problem is and how it looks to give you correct advice?
If it is indeed the grease gland, then here is our forum advice. But your description and location is not clear enough for us to do more than guess - and we can easily get it wrong without being able to see, never mind handling a piggy.
The description could also apply to a burst sebaceous cyst, which will require different treatment.
Bathing (including cleaning grease glands)




Hi!

If you quote other sites (and I am very happy that you do not just pass advice from other places as your own), please always cite the source. You may trust the place but we don't have the possibility to check up on it.

Thanks for the kind reminder! You're right, I should have.