Wart?

[Nattzzz]

I have three male guinea pigs that I am taking for a check up soon. My main worry was my youngest, Jinx. He’s been sneezing often and I’m worried he may have a cold, it being winter and all. Anyways, I was checking the boys for marks, behavior, etc, to bring up to the vet when I bring them in. I was lookig at Jinx when I noticed a bump on his ear! I was worried at first it may be a tumor, but then I noticed it looked very similar to a wart. Have any of you seen anything like this? Is it contagious to my other piggies? Should I be worried? Also is there anything I can do to maybe help the sneezing before the checkup. I am very paranoid and worried, thank you.

 

[Wiebke]

I have three male guinea pigs that I am taking for a check up soon. My main worry was my youngest, Jinx. He’s been sneezing often and I’m worried he may have a cold, it being winter and all. Anyways, I was checking the boys for marks, behavior, etc, to bring up to the vet when I bring them in. I was lookig at Jinx when I noticed a bump on his ear! I was worried at first it may be a tumor, but then I noticed it looked very similar to a wart. Have any of you seen anything like this? Is it contagious to my other piggies? Should I be worried? Also is there anything I can do to maybe help the sneezing before the checkup. I am very paranoid and worried, thank you.

Hi!

Guinea pigs don't viral colds, they get bacterial chest infections, called URIs (upper respiratory tract infections) which need to be vet checked and treated promptly, as they can kill.
Discuss the sneezing with your vet; they need to check whether there are signs of URI or whether the sneezing has other reasons (hay dust etc.). Please be aware that any vet will treat for URI first and foremost if there is the least indication because of its risk of fatality; it has to be excluded first before you can search for other causes.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Unfortunately, the ear requires a hands-on examination. I highly doubt that it is something serious, but any lump requires a hands-on examination by a vet; it cannot be diagnosed just from a picture - not that we are able or qualified to replace a vet in the first place, and neither are any other online places.

All the best with your vet check!

 

[Nattzzz]

Hi!

Guinea pigs don't viral colds, they get bacterial chest infections, called URIs (upper respiratory tract infections) which need to be vet checked and treated promptly, as they can kill.
Discuss the sneezing with your vet; they need to check whether there are signs of URI or whether the sneezing has other reasons (hay dust etc.). Please be aware that any vet will treat for URI first and foremost if there is the least indication because of its risk of fatality; it has to be excluded first before you can search for other causes.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Unfortunately, the ear requires a hands-on examination. I highly doubt that it is something serious, but any lump requires a hands-on examination by a vet; it cannot be diagnosed just from a picture - not that we are able or qualified to replace a vet in the first place, and neither are any other online places.

All the best with your vet check!

An update on Jinx, he’s currently in the vet receiving meds for a URI. I had been using pine shavings and recently did a lot of research and learned that pine shavings are dangerous due to the dust content! Shows you can never research enough . I have switched to paper bedding. Also the mark on his ear is just a birth defect, I’m glad it wasn’t a ring worm or anything harmful. Thank you for your concern!

 

[Wiebke]

An update on Jinx, he’s currently in the vet receiving meds for a URI. I had been using pine shavings and recently did a lot of research and learned that pine shavings are dangerous due to the dust content! Shows you can never research enough . I have switched to paper bedding. Also the mark on his ear is just a birth defect, I’m glad it wasn’t a ring worm or anything harmful. Thank you for your concern!

Hi!

I am very sorry about the URI.

Please have a read of this guide here; it takes you through a range of safe bedding options:
Bedding For Guinea Pigs - Overview

 

[Bill & Ted]

Hoping your little 9ne gets better soon x