Is My Guinea Pig Ill?

Poppy Davis · Sep 5, 2015

I recently got 4 male guinea pigs and they are now 12 weeks old. I noticed a few days ago that my white and brown crested english-american Pippin's crest on the top of his had had started to get larger. The hair is disappearing down his nose (only half a centimetre or so from the natural crest. I also found what i thought was a tick on his chest but i think it may have been a little lump of dried blood. I am now not sure if he has mites or some other skin condition or is I'm just being paranoid. Please help! I will insert some pictures in due course.

Elwickcavies · Sep 6, 2015

It may be a fungal infection. Lice and mites don't usually affect the face, but you really need to see the vet for a proper diagnosis. Even with a picture, we can only suggest possible causes. You will need a vet to be sure. Incorrect treatment may make the problem worse.

Poppy Davis · Sep 7, 2015

Here is a picture. It isnt very good though, sorry :/ he kept moving

Abi_nurse · Sep 7, 2015

It could be fungal or it could be bite wounds as four males are likely to start fighting if kept together (although at 12 weeks they should be ok for now).

If you are concerned then please have them seen by a vet. Fungal is very sore and also very contagious.

x

gizzy · Sep 7, 2015

carnt dee sny picture ?

Poppy Davis · Sep 7, 2015

Poppy Davis · Sep 7, 2015

The skin isnt red or irritated, it is a healthy pink colour

Elwickcavies · Sep 7, 2015

I have to say that I can't see a major problem here. The crest looks to be a normal size. Keep an eye on it and if it gets bigger, then see the vet.

Poppy Davis · Sep 7, 2015

Elwickcavies said:
I have to say that I can't see a major problem here. The crest looks to be a normal size. Keep an eye on it and if it gets bigger, then see the vet.

Ok thanks for the help

i just got worried because it had almost doubled in size from when i got him

PiggyJustice · Sep 7, 2015

Have you seen any other marks or bits of dried blood on any of them since the first time? The crest appears to be fine, as he gets older and his hair grows the middle of the crest may well get bigger. The skin underneath is a light pink which is healthy anyway - if it were red/irritated/inflamed it would be a different story.

Poppy Davis · Sep 14, 2015

PiggyJustice said:
Have you seen any other marks or bits of dried blood on any of them since the first time? The crest appears to be fine, as he gets older and his hair grows the middle of the crest may well get bigger. The skin underneath is a light pink which is healthy anyway - if it were red/irritated/inflamed it would be a different story.

I cant see any other dried pieces of blood and he seems happy enough

lawz · Sep 14, 2015

i have to agree with @Elwickcavies i can't see anything to worry about, might just be where he's growing and his fur iid settling into a pattern if that makes sense?
If area looks sore, maybe try a tiny bit of sudocreme on it….but overall i can't see anything to worry about just monitor it and see how it goes