cut?

Question
i have two female guinea pigs, about 6 months old. i was stroking one of them earlier when i noticed a lump on her back and when i moved back her fur there was quite a large cut where there was no skin but i haven't noticed it bleeding before. it is about 1cm square. she is acting ok apart form this apart form she keeps making squeaky hiccup like noises. neither guinea pig has had any problems before. what do you recommend i do?

Answer
Hello Jo,

From what you describe, I would say that your guinea pig is either suffering from a reaction to your bedding or possibly a case of mites.  Mites are sort of like fleas.  It can sometimes leave patches like you described and also can cause intense scratching and hairloss.  Without me seeing her, I can't make a diagnosis so I would recommend you take her to the vet.