Bald patches

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Followup To
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Followup To
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Hi,
My Guinea has a big bald patch on her back. She has been chewing off big chunks of hair. I also noticed that she has bite marks all over the spot. She was also bleeding. She is a long-haired, and she is pregnant My parents aren't into the whole vet thing either, so please help.
Answer -
Hi Ally.  Need to know one thing before I answer - About how pregnant is she?  Are the babies kicking yet?  Gestation is 70 days, do you know how many days along she is?  One last thing, does she or the male have any other missing hair on any part of the body (stomach?)  Thanks!  It will help in answering your question.
Anngela
Hi Anngela,
My guinea must be almost a month into her pregnancy. I am not too sure exactly how pregnant she is, but it is probably around there. She was introduced with the male on 22/9/04 and was taken out on the 12/10/04. I hope that might give you an idea. The babies are not kicking yet. No the male dosen't have any missing hair. And the female dosen't have any more except for the one patch, but she does have scabs everywhere. I also treated her and all my other six guineas for lice etc... Just incase. I also did their cages. She is eating and drinking fine too. And her deposites are healthy as well. I hope this helps.
Ally
Answer -
Hi Ally.  I would bet money that the babies have begun to kick.  As much as I love guinea pigs, they are not always the brightest.  She is more than likely feeling the babies kicking, and then confusing that with lice/mites biting her.  I would not be surprised if she loses more hair on areas she can reach.  As far as the scabs on her back, you might be able to put some vegetable oil on that to help it feel better but be careful that she doesen't get loose stool from it.  Stay away from ointments and creams because a lot of these contain lidocaine, which would increase her heartbeat if she licked it off (which she most definitely will do).  If you want to try and feel the babies kicking, sit with her in your lap with your hands gently cupped around her stomach.  Feed her her favorite, crunchiest treat (carrots work great) and as she eats away, the babies will more than likely awaken and kick a bit or grind their teeth.  If you don't feel it the first time no worries, try again next week!  One last thing, as a pregnant sow she needs lots of dark green veggies full of Vitamins A and K, spinach, kale, etc.  Let me know if you have any more questions or if this doens't seem plausible, there is always another possibility for everything!

(by scabs everywhere do you mean in places she couldn't have reached and done herself?  Or focused around the stomach area?)
Anngela
Hi thanks,
No she dosen't have any scabs on her stomach. But she does have them right behind her ear. Could she reach there?
Thanks Ally.

Answer
Hmmm  the one behind the ear is out of place for my theory.  If I were you, I would re-treat for the lice/mites.  but MAKE SURE it can be used on pregnant sows, you don't want to hurt the babies.  Yes, she can reach behind the ear with her back foot.
What are you using to treat for mites?  Ivomec?  Revolution?
Anngela