guinea scabs

Question
A few days ago I noticed a crusty scab on my guinea pig, Rolos chin. I did nnot know what it was. The following day it had spread on her lip and nose. Today when I looked it didn't seem to have spread any further and perhaps maybe looked a bit better, however one of the other guinea pigs, Caramelo had it. She only has it on her nose at the moment but it looks very sore and when she knocks it, the wound begins to bleed again. I have quarinteened them from the other guinea pigs and have tried to clean the sores, but it is painful and very stressful for them. I have only had them for a month, are young, both female, both still eating and drinking and seem to be getting along with each other well. I think it maybe a fungal infection, do you know how it can be cured, what you think it is and will they be alright? Please help! Thank you. Debs.  

Answer
Debs --

Well, to be honest with you, the only guinea pig disease I know of where scabby-type sores are a symptom is selnick mites.  To diagnose these, you'll probably have to have them treated by a vet.  Are they scratching the sores a lot?  Do they have any form of hair loss?  These are the other symptoms of selnick mites.  

If none of these sound remotely right, I would treat the sores with neosporin, as perhaps they are fighting and doing a little damage to each other.  This is really the only other possibility I can think of.  If neither of these two options seems to be right, I would definitely take your animals to the vet and have them diagnosed, particularly since it seems to be spreading.

I hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me again.  Good luck!

Lorena