gp skin problem

Question
my guinea pig is about 2 years old and i gave her a bath this morning and i noticed that she had some flaky crusty dandruff like things on her lower belly near her nipples i was just wondering if you can tell me what it is and how i can treat this problem...thanks

-andrea

Answer
Andrea --

Well, it sounds as though your guinea pig has one of two problems.  It could be simply dry skin, and I would recommend trying to treat that first.  Use a vitamin E pill (like you would take) with liquid inside.  Break it open and rub the vitamin E onto her skin.  As another choice, you may buy a skin treatment at the pet store.  If they don't offer one specifically for guinea pigs, buy one for birds or kittens.  If this treatment doesn't make it better after a few days, I would take her to the vet, as she might have a form of mites or another skin disorder.  I would also take her to the vet if she begins to show any signs of illness.  For example, listless, off food/water, discharge from anywhere, etc.

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

Lorena