dry scaly ear

Question
My new guinea pig has one ear that is very dry and scaly. He scratches it sometimes. He also runs around his cage very fast sometimes too. His ear is black, so it is hard to see anything. I called the vet and spoke to the receptionist and she said just bring him in, but it will cost over $100.00. Could he just have a dry ear or mites or worse? What do you think? Worse comes to worse, I will take him in. Would really like to hear from someone who has had guinea pigs before.Thanks for your advise!!  

Answer
Guinea pigs can have dry ears, but unless it is in both ears then he most likely does not have mites. I would first try cleaning the ear out with a baby wipe, then apply 3 drops of garlic oil that you can find at a drug store in his ear and gentley rub the ear to spread it around. You can also place lotion around the outside of the ear. If he starts tilting his head though immediately take him to a vet, because that is a sign os an inner ear infection.
Brittany