Scabs and Sores

[crebekk]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting in here because I’m beside myself. I have two male guinea pigs who have always been the best of friends. A little over a month ago I noticed a lot of scuffling and saw that my less dominant, younger guinea pig had an open sore. They were acting fine with each other and were upset when separated so I didn’t think much of it until several more wounds appeared on him. I took him to the vet to rule out mites or anything and he confirmed that they looked like bite wounds. I then separated them and they have had no contact ever since, but my younger guinea pig is continuing to develop bloody sores around his neck and on his front two legs. I’m a college student so I really want to avoid another $100+ vet bill, but of course I will always do what’s best for him. Any advice here?

 

[xRoan]

If blood is drawn, it is considered a failed bonding. You'll need to separate them to prevent further injury, worse wounds, and more fights.

How big is the enclosure you have them in?

 

[Swissgreys]

If they now live separately then it sounds like a skin condition.
The problem is that we simply can't diagnose anything over the internet - this really does need a hands on examination by a vet.
The best thing is to try and find a vet who has experience with guinea pigs, as a correct diagnosis and treatment at the outset will cost less in the long run.

Sadly this is the reality of guinea pigs. They are often portrayed as cheap children's pets, but nothing could be further from the truth.
I hope you are able to get him seen as it sounds like he must be very uncomfortable.

 

[Siikibam]

It sounds like something else is going on. I would put them back together - on neutral ground. I’m afraid guinea pig vet fees (especially in the US) can be expensive. Have a look at the link below and see which vet is nearest you. Also ask if you can set up a payment plan. Good luck and I hope you can get him sorted.
Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting in here because I’m beside myself. I have two male guinea pigs who have always been the best of friends. A little over a month ago I noticed a lot of scuffling and saw that my less dominant, younger guinea pig had an open sore. They were acting fine with each other and were upset when separated so I didn’t think much of it until several more wounds appeared on him. I took him to the vet to rule out mites or anything and he confirmed that they looked like bite wounds. I then separated them and they have had no contact ever since, but my younger guinea pig is continuing to develop bloody sores around his neck and on his front two legs. I’m a college student so I really want to avoid another $100+ vet bill, but of course I will always do what’s best for him. Any advice here?

Hi!

I am afraid that those sores need to be seen by a vet; they don't sound like boar bite wounds. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose sight unseen and without a hands-on diagnosis; the risk of prolonging any suffering or even causing a death by under-treating with too low dosed products or treating incorrectly on spec is high.

Here is more information on guinea pig parasites and fungal skin infections, which reguire different treatment. It is down to the vet to decide which you are dealing with or whether they prefer to treat for both.
New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites