Ears

Question
My guinea pig(MARKEL) has some hair missing off of his right ear. It appears to be inflamed and chapped ( dry white patches inside) He has a good appetite and has been drinking good. Do you think that maybe he has an ear infection, and are ear infections common. My husband cleaned his ear and put some antibiotic cream on it. I plan on taking him to the vet ASAP but would rather take him to a better vet than the one we have available here where i live.

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

Please be aware that all guinea pigs have bald patches behind their ears, and the tips are usually smooth too.

However, the inflamation and dryness is not normal. I'd recommend you visit www.gorgeousguineas.com and see if they make an appropriate ointment - these aromatherapy products are specially formulated for guinea pigs' sensitive skin and work much better than traditional human medicines or those available from a vet.

If you notice any other symptoms or do not notice an improvement within 4-5 days, take him to see a vet. A good, specialist small animal vet as you suggest.

Hope this helps and that Markel feels better soon.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jenny.