Red ear

[Ste-EVo]

Hi

We recently got 2x new additions, 2 little girls about 11 weeks old, Nibbles and Penny.

Penny's right eat was always pale compared to her black left ear but I notice a couple of days ago some redness and today its worse with a little scab.

Is this anything to be concerned about? My initial thought was her cage mate nibbles is nibbling her ear.

Close up is this morning and the second is a few days ago

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

We recently got 2x new additions, 2 little girls about 11 weeks old, Nibbles and Penny.

Penny's right eat was always pale compared to her black left ear but I notice a couple of days ago some redness and today its worse with a little scab.

Is this anything to be concerned about? My initial thought was her cage mate nibbles is nibbling her ear.

Close up is this morning and the second is a few days ago

Hi

The increased or decreased blood flow through the ears is how guinea pigs regulate their body temperature by. That is why ears, nose and feet in pale-skinned piggies can get intensely red at times.

However, if your piggy has two pale ears and only one is intensely red and/or if it feels rather dry, thicker, parchy or crusty compared to the other (especially in darker skinned piggies) and if the redness doesn't disappear, then please see a vet this week during regular hours. It is not an emergency but should be seen before Easter if possible.

 

[Ste-EVo]

Thanks for the prompt reply, much appreciated.

I shall keep and eye (and ear) on it and report back.

 

[Truffolo]

Are your piggies definitely girls. It is easy to confuse boys and girls at this age and these could be (possibly) tooth marks.

 

[Wiebke]

Ear nibbling is usually around the edge. The picture is not clear enough to judge whether it looks like distended blood vessels to me? I cannot see a scab.

 

[Truffolo]

I

Ear nibbling is usually around the edge. The picture is not clear enough to judge whether it looks like distended blood vessels to me? I cannot see a scab.

Interesting, I wonder what it is. If you see the vet, hopefully he / she will be able to explain it

 

[Ste-EVo]

So it would appear that both ears are the same, with what looks like nibbling. Hard to see on one ear as its jet black but looks to have a little scabbing on both...

 

[Truffolo]

Piggies are most active early evening, so if it's nibbling, you might see them in action then

 

[Ste-EVo]

Are your piggies definitely girls. It is easy to confuse boys and girls at this age and these could be (possibly) tooth marks.

Well... 'pets at home' told me they were girls, I haven't actually checked my self.

Do you have a link to a sexing guide at all please?

If it is nibbling I'm guessing its more common in boys?

 

[Wiebke]

So it would appear that both ears are the same, with what looks like nibbling. Hard to see on one ear as its jet black but looks to have a little scabbing on both...

It could be the start of a fungal ear infection? However, we can only guess and not diagnose. Please see a vet for a hands-on examination and the correct treatment.

Depending on how long you have had your piggies, you can reclaim any vet cost from the shop if you present the sales bill together with the vet bill as the pet shop chain only covers issues that arise within the first 3 weeks.
New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

We actually have a dedicated Sexing Corner on this forum, but here is the link to our Sexing Guide: Illustrated Sexing Guide

New Guinea Pigs: How to Best Manage Arrival and Settling In

 

[Wiebke]

@Ste-EVo I have added more links and information to my last post above.