Scabby Nose

Question
Hello, one of our 3 (male) guinea pigs (approx 3 yrs old) who is completely black usually now has a white patch above his nose and a smaller one on his ear. The other two seem fine currently but I am unsure if this is something that will heal itself like a scratch or if I need to treat it somehow.
Thankyou

Answer
Hi Star,

It sounds as though he's got some sort of skin condition. It could be an allergy - have you noticed him coughing or sneezing at all? If so, the most likely thing for him to be allergic to is the bedding - so try using a different type or brand. I use dust-extracted wood shavings (on top of newspapers) but many owners prefer to use Medibed or Megazorb, especially for guinea pigs with allergies.

If he seems well in himself - he's still eating and drinking and popping as normal, still playing with his friends, and seems generally happy, then try not to worry. Pay a visit to www.gorgeousguineas.com and browse their selection of ointments for one that helps scabs to heal faster.

If you notice him scratching, they are probably bite wounds from mites or lice that he's scratched until they're sore. It would be unusual for the other two to not be itchy too, though. The most common form of mites on piggies can be easily treated at home by bathing them (more like washing, as piggies can't swim) them all in a shampoo called Lice n Easy (the trial size will be ample) from www.gorgeousguineas.com. This website makes aromatherapy products for piggies - they're much gentler on the skin than the insecticidal shampoos you can buy from vets and pet shops, and I think they're much more effective, too! Make sure you clean out their cage thoroughly and that the piggies are completely dry before you put them back in. If he feels hot to the touch or has been fitting, he could have developed mange from a prolonged case of mites/lice and will need an injection from a vet as mange is eventually fatal.

If after either (or both!) of these treatments you are still concerned, or if he is puffed up and listless now, then please take him to a vet. Take the time to find an accredited small animal or exotic pet vet - if you can't find a specialist small animal hospital, try calling local general practises as most will have one vet on their staff who is particularly interested in guinea pigs. Or if you're in the UK, call the Cambridge Cavy Trust and ask to be put in touch with your local rodentologist.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions - just ask!

Jenny.

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FOLLOW UP

Star, please don't use straw as a bedding. It is not as absorbant as other types of bedding, so it is less hygenic, and the straw also poses a threat to the piggies' health as it can get stuck in their eyes, noses, ears etc and hurt them. If you think he's allergic to wood shavings, try getting the dust-extracted kind or switching to medibed.

Best wishes,
Jenny.