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my guinea pig is developing a bald spot by his hind leg.He

 
DrJessicaO's Avatar
  • Answered by:DrJessicaO
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Customer Question

my guinea pig is developing a bald spot by his hind leg.He has no rash on his skin and the area is not sensative.

 

Optional Information:
Type of Animal: guinea pig
Gender: male
Age: 4

Already Tried:
nothing so far

Submitted: 743 days and 22 hours ago.
Category: Veterinary
Value: $18
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  DrJessicaO replied 743 days and 22 hours ago.

Hi there,
I will try to answer your question. One very common reason that hair loss, of alopecia, that occurs in guinea pigs is a mite known as trixacarus. In early stages, pigs may be asymptomatic (not itching, scaling, etc). Mites are "normal residents" to many species including pigs- sometimes with stress, age, concurrent disease, etc, these mites can begin to replicate and cause clinical signs. They are typically treated with topical Revolution. Pigs can also get fleas, nits, and lice. Another concern would be a fungal infection such as ring worm. In the guinea pig, you do not always see the classic "ring" structure that occurs in people and this is typically not an "itchy" disease in the pig. This can be treated with an oral liquid medication. Lastly, in female pigs a common reason for alopecia is hormonally related but if you are certain you have a male obviously this would not be a consideration. I suggest bringing your pig to your veterinarian for skin testing including a fungal culture and possible skin scrape. Also, some parasites may be visible to the naked, trained eye and your veterinarian may be able to diagnose based on physical examination alone. I hope this information helps.
-Dr. Jessica

Customer replied 743 days and 18 hours ago.

I am not 100% sure my Guinea is a male. Is there anyway I could find out?

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  DrJessicaO replied 743 days and 18 hours ago.

The following is a good link with pictures on how to sex a guinea pig.....your veterinarian would also be able to help you.
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sexing.htm
In the case of a male guinea pig, you may be able to actually extrude the penis with gentle pressure.

Expert TypeVeterinarian
Category: Veterinary
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 214
Answered: 5/2/2011

Experience: 4 years of private practice & oncology experience with dogs, cats, exotics, pocket pets, etc

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