skin conditions

Question
our guinea has areas on her side with lesions that bleed, i think from scratching so much. she also has areas on her neck that are dry and are gray in color. i do not see flees. she eats a healthy diet and also eats orange wedges, carrots or celary each day. this condition looks painful where the bleeding ares are

Answer
Hi Ronda,

    I am terribly sorry for the delay with this response.
    Even if you do not see fleas, mange mites may be to blame.  A bad case of mange mites can be successfully treated with Ivermectin after being properly examined and diagnosed by a veterinarian who is experienced in the area of guinea pigs.  A helpful website with more information on Ivermectin, as well as pictures of Mange Mite cases, is:

http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

    Other causes of hair loss are scurvy, boredom, and dry skin.  From what you tell me about the daily vegetables, I highly doubt that scurvy, a vitamin deficiency, is to blame.  I find that dry skin can be cured by gently covering the affected areas with vaseline.  Because it sounds as if you take good care of your guinea pig and give her daily treats, I highly doubt boredom is to blame.  However, you may want to try letting her run around in an enclosed area, or giving her a paper bag or a cardboard toilet paper roll to play with.

    Thank you for your question, I hope I have been of some help to you.  If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  Good luck with your guinea pigs (=

                                                  - Nicole