Hair loss on belly

[Lyssacc1920]

My guinea pig Sage is having some hair loss on her belly and I'm not sure what exactly it could be, I looked it up and it said it could be fungal or parasites but I'm not sure because there's no scabbing on her skin. Some of the hair is just shorter and not bald almost like shes just biting at it. She doesnt move very much from one spot in her cage, I think she's lonley maybe? Could it be that because she stays in one spot maybe the bedding gets wet and shes staying in it so its irritated making her bite at it?

 

[dhill_cb7]

Have you made a vet appointment? I would definitely have her seen by a professional to rule out any potential issues.

Hopefully more veteran members will chime in with better advice.

Good luck.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Please do have her seen by a vet.
There can be many reasons for hair loss from fungal, parasites, ovarian cysts (which can occur in sows usually over around 2 years of age). Barbering can have a variety of reasons including pain so having a vet check her out is important.

You mention she may be lonely, if she doesn’t have a companion, then can you look to get her one?
In the meantime, you can provide lots of enrichment to keep her moving and entertained.

Let us know how you get on at the vet

Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Merab]

Hope you can get a vet appointment soon.
Only a vet can tell you what is wrong.
Please let us know how you get on.

 

[Free Ranger]

it's going to have to be the vet because you have to establish whether she's got any pain or discomfort. Old George has a bit of arthritis in his knees and I was worried because the vet found thinning hair here and hair in his teeth (it gets stuck in the bottom incisor gum pocket). He has a painkiller now each night but I still find a little bit of hair. Vet says he's still nibbling at it but it's a bit like how we might rub a sore wrist or something. He's much more mobile on his meds than he was before.

It could be loneliness - unlike hamsters the social piggies shouldn't ever be kept on their own - even pigs that fall out are happier in neighbouring cages than alone. But it could be pain - especially if she's not moving very much. Fungal infections and parasites are both contagious so if she's been alone for a while it makes this less likely. Also the pattern of hair loss - while not absolutely diagnostic - is not typical for mites (commonly thinning on flanks and rump, debris in fur) or fungus (red areas and scabbing from scratching the intense itch, often seen around face and head area). If she has certain types of ovarian cyst this can also cause thinning hair on the flanks. Vet fees are a bit scary but you would feel awful if she was in pain and it was treatable. Usually things are cheaper if you can catch them in the early stages. As you are in the US check out the recommended vets on the guinea lynx website Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List and Guinea Lynx :: Finding a Veterinarian

If you are worried about her sitting in her own pee check her feet have not started to look red and sore. This is more easily seen on white piggies with the pink feet! Their soles are naturally lumpy and bumpy - that's normal - but you are looking for red areas that almost look burnt - that's why they call it 'urine scald'. If she is wet round the girl bits or looks like she has a dirty bottom it can be a sign of urinary infection - they squeak in pain when they pee, they drip all the time so they get wet and dirty, they get scald on the bits and/or the feet from the constant dripping, there may be blood in the pee. It's all treatable though. But if she's clean and dry, and it's just that pattern of hair loss in the picture my guess is she's doing it herself - it's just finding out what's triggered it. If you want to post your State in the location we may have other posters near(ish!) to you who might be able to recommend a vet. Or if there is an animal rescue locally that deals with piggies they might be able to advise more. Good luck little Sage x