Guinea Pig Bald Patch (photo)

[Edward4432]

Just noticed a bald patch on my guinea pig's chest. Wanted to know if it's anything of concern. She's 4 years old if that helps. I know I'm holding her rough in the photo, but it was just to get the picture.

 

[VickiA]

I've moved your post to the health and illness thread, so that one of the health and illness advisors can give you their opinion.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Please have the patch seen by a vet. it is not in the usual place for the most likely suspects (mange mites, fungal) and therefore not easy to identify. Please do not treat on spec with low dosed shop products.
Have you checked whether you can feel a lump underneath in case it is self-inflicted barbering from discomfort?

 

[Edward4432]

Hi, Wiebke, I'll be taking her to the vet and would give her any shop products. After pressing against her the bald area doesn't feel any different from the area around it. I don't know what that indicates.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, Wiebke, I'll be taking her to the vet and would give her any shop products. After pressing against her the bald area doesn't feel any different from the area around it. I don't know what that indicates.

A growing lump underneath the skin can be painful for the guinea pig (meaning it is eating the hair on that spot) and worrying for the owner. Because that area is rather hidden under the chin and skin folds, lumps are often not quite obvious. It is good that we have been able to exclude that. It means that you are down to less serious issues.

My Llewelyn developed a bald spot in a similar area; it didn't respond to either mange mite treatment or to fungal treatment and has remained a mystery to me and the vet. It was also not in an area he could reach with his mouth for self-barbering. However, the first thing is to exclude all the usual players.