Sudden hairloss around eye

[Kenzo]

One of the babies has a bald patch around her eye, it appeared overnight. Is it a sign of fighting? (Posting on behalf of someone else)

 

[Hanwombat]

Could be the star of a fungal infection, I'd get him to the vets ASAP as fungal can spread very quickly. Also separate he pig but the others may have been exposed so they will most likely need to be treated as well, IF it is a fungal infection.
The whole cage, food bowls, accessories etc will also need to be gutted completely and disinfected.
But you can't be sure what it is until a vet visit.

 

[Kenzo]

Thanks so much for your advice. I passed it on to my friend and she had all her guinea pigs in that cage (including babies) at our local rescue that afternoon. They confirmed ringworm and all the piggys are being treated, as well as the cage and everything in it x

 

[MargaretB]

I have experienced ringworm in my chinchillas. It spreads like wildfire and was a complete nightmare. If your friend has other cages and/or other animals, she will need to quarantine the affected ones in a separate room if possible and disinfect absolutely everything- all cages, accessories etc etc. Also make sure when feeding, handling etc then attend to the unaffected ones first and always wash hands after handling.

Good hygene is essential. I managed to get it too, although it readily cleared up with the use of anti-fungal cream.

Good luck.