Missing Hair

Question
Today I came home school and noticed that a patch of hair is missing from my guinea pig. The area is totally bold and kind of red. The hair looked like it was possibly pulled out. Before I left for school the hair was there. Why is the hair missing and what should I do?  

Answer
Brian

Thank you for your question!

From what it soundlike the guinea pig could have cault it's skin on something and ripped some hair out. He could have also ripped it out himself with his teeth, or he could have scratched it out by himself.

Now there is definitely a reason why he would have scratched himself enough to cause something like that.

It is important that you take your guinea pig to the vets as soon as you can, as when a guinea pig starts to lose fur around the lower back region it can be commonly indicative of a parasitic or fungal problem that needs to be treated by your veterinarian.

Don't forget that a guinea pig may be suffering from one or more problems. He may have lice, mites, a fungal infection and vitamin C deficiency all at the same time. While you can generally see lice and the larger mites in the fur, microscopic mange mites can be difficult to find, even by a vet after repeated "skin scrapings". A good exotics vet will help you sort out what treatments are appropriate for your guinea pig and try new medications if your pet's condition does not improve.

Treatments vary. Fur mites and lice can be treated by using a low dose pyrethrin based shampoo repeating once a week for three or more weeks (follow instructions on product). Sellnic mites are usually treated with precise doses of ivermectin given orally, topically or by injection. (All ivermectin treatments must be repeated at least once, 7 to 10 days later, since it does not kill eggs).

The hair of guinea pigs suffering from a fungal infection takes on a "greasy texture" and the surface of the skin may show a "deep layer of gritty scurfing and the skin itself has a deep red flush to it" with lesions caused by scratching.

You vet will be able to diagnose which of these conditions is applicable to your guinea pig.

I hope this answers your question.

Best Wishes

Amy