Scab On Back? (possible Bite)

[Malice]

Today we were trimming the piggies' claws when I noticed that Syllabub has a rather large scab on her back. My first thought was that she had bitten/scratched it, but it's much bigger than self inflicted bites I've seen before. I checked the rest of her fur; no bald patches, no 'v' on her back, but some of the skin toward her rump is kind of scaly (the skin on her neck/shoulders is fun). I continued to pet her and she didn't seem at all agitated by being stroked, and didn't jump or squeak when I was looking at the scab, nor did my stroking her seem to make her want to scratch at herself. I've treated guineas (many, many years ago) who've had mites and, short of the scab (which may not even be self inflicted) and the scaly skin, she doesn't seem to be showing any of the symptoms.

Thoughts? If it's not mites, what might it be? We couldn't see any blood in the cage that might suggest an accidental injury, so I'm rather perplexed as to what might be the cause of the scab.

(I'll be booking an appointment at the vets on the off chance it is mites, but I just wanted to know what other people thought.)

An image of the injury;

 

[Wiebke]

Today we were trimming the piggies' claws when I noticed that Syllabub has a rather large scab on her back. My first thought was that she had bitten/scratched it, but it's much bigger than self inflicted bites I've seen before. I checked the rest of her fur; no bald patches, no 'v' on her back, but some of the skin toward her rump is kind of scaly (the skin on her neck/shoulders is fun). I continued to pet her and she didn't seem at all agitated by being stroked, and didn't jump or squeak when I was looking at the scab, nor did my stroking her seem to make her want to scratch at herself. I've treated guineas (many, many years ago) who've had mites and, short of the scab (which may not even be self inflicted) and the scaly skin, she doesn't seem to be showing any of the symptoms.

Thoughts? If it's not mites, what might it be? We couldn't see any blood in the cage that might suggest an accidental injury, so I'm rather perplexed as to what might be the cause of the scab.

(I'll be booking an appointment at the vets on the off chance it is mites, but I just wanted to know what other people thought.)

An image of the injury;

I would have her checked for (invisible) mange mites or fungal. Both can be so painful/irritating that guinea pig can bite itself raw. Either can start with a scab as the first sign, but they require different treatment. It impossible to say what you are up against just from that picture.

 

[Swissgreys]

I had a similar issue with Eddi recently, and despite no sign of mites microscopically (just sores on his back and shoulders), we still went ahead and treated for mites, and the sores did clear up very quickly.
However he also had some scaly patches and small scabs on his bottom which didn't respond to the mite treatment, and this is currently being treated as a fungal infection. Again it didn't present 'typically' but is is also responding well to treatment, so fairly safe to assume it was indeed fungal.

So It could be several things or a combination. A vet visit is a good idea as they will be in the best position to suggest treatment and keep an eye on things.
I hope it gets sorted.

 

[Dindypig]

If it is a bite, self inflicted or otherwise, keep an eye on it as it may develop into an abscess. Our Billy has one developing at the moment due to a bite from Poppy Chick Chick. Billy cannot control his natural instincts when Poppy is in season. He usually has to be removed to another pen for the duration.
Lice can be the cause of a scabbed area. Keep an eye on it for not healing, it will look like the scab is being picked and fresh wound showing.

 

[Malice]

Took Syllabub to the vets today; they agreed that it looked like mites. They prescribed Xeno 450 Spot-On; not what I'm used to (previous piggies have had injections) but seems nicer on the piggy! She had her first dose today, next one will be the 16th!

Vet also checked out the scab; agreed that it was a nasty wound, but it's healing nicely and drying out. She advised to be wary of it abscessing and told me the signs to look out for.

Syllabub had some courgette to make up for her horrible day! She was so well behaved. Hope she's feeling better soon.

 

[flowerfairy]

Glad the vet has looked at it. Hopefully she will heal up nicely now.

Hope she enjoyed the courgette!

 

[Flutterby]

Glad to hear she's under treatment, she'll be on the mend in no time! Lots of healing vibes coming your way from me