Rainbow is about 4 years old. She has a bald spot on her back that we noticed today. There is no scabs or scars on her. She is eating right, and squeaking like she always does. But she is thin. We notice that she is sitting in the corner of her cage byherself alot more today.She is in the cage with her mother, Cinnamon, and she is about 6, but she is fine and healthy. Do any of you guys know whats wrong?
2007-01-28 12:42:44 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Rainbow is about 4 years old. She has a bald spot on her back that we noticed today. There is no scabs or scars on her. She is eating right, and squeaking like she always does. But she is thin. We notice that she is sitting in the corner of her cage byherself alot more today.She is in the cage with her mother, Cinnamon, and she is about 6, but she is fine and healthy. And when she drinks, she puts her right paw in the air. Do any of you guys know whats wrong?
2007-01-28 12:47:31 · update #1
She may have mites or worms. You should please seek immidiate help from a vetranarian
Mites,lice, other parasites; http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1800&articleid=2998
Scurvy: If you notice that your guinea pig seems in pain, is losing a little weight and has a general loss of condition, it may be scurvy. This is caused from a deficiency in Vitamin C. Feed your pet more fruits and vegetables especially those high in Vitamin C. There are also liquid vitamins you can add to the water, but they loose their effectiveness rather quickly and make the water taste bad. Other symptoms of scurvy are swollen painful joints and ribs, reluctance to move, poor bone and teeth development, spontaneous bleeding especially from the gums, into joints and in muscle, if left untreated this disease can be fatal.
Barbering (Hair Chewing) - Hair loss is a common problem in guinea pigs. 'Barbering' is just one of the many causes of it. This vice (bad habit) occurs when guinea pigs chew on the hair coats of other guinea pigs that are lower than them in the social 'pecking order'. The dominant 'pig' and main culprit is identified by its normal, full hair coat while others have areas of alopecia (hair loss). There is no treatment for this condition except separating the guinea pigs if it becomes a serious problem.
Hair loss or hair thinning can occur for a number of other reasons as well. It is a common phenomenon among sows who are repeatedly bred or weakened, newly weaned juvenile guinea pigs. Certain fungal diseases and external parasite infestations also influence hair loss problems.
hope i could help..
2007-01-28 12:53:01 · answer #1 · answered by catieann 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sigh! That's the prob with small animals. They hide their sickness very well so its becomes too late when we notice it. Both my guinea pigs also died of unknown causes at the age of 4. After they stop eating, its a critical time. Sadly not many cavies will survive. Pls dun wait & bring it to the vet. Hope Rainbow gets well!
2007-01-28 21:31:36 · answer #2 · answered by angelic8026 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I love guinea pigs. I do not know what is wrong however (and I don't think most people could make a diagnosis just be reading something online). If something really seems wrong, take her to a vet.
2007-01-28 20:45:37 · answer #3 · answered by Steady As She Goes 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The two could be fighting, and Rainbow might be afraid. The bald spot could be caused by the hair being pulled out by the other. My bunny did that to my Guinea pig.
2007-01-28 20:48:24 · answer #4 · answered by A Random Ugly 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Feed her a little more food. If that doesn't work, call a vet and tell them a bout your worries. If they think it's serious, go for a check- up and bring a fecal (poop) sample. Other than that, let a professional do their job
2007-01-28 20:49:58 · answer #5 · answered by Franz T 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Spike her water bottle with extra vitamin C. !00mg dissolved in 6 oz. of water.
2007-01-28 20:46:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Vitamin C deficiency. Crush up some Vit C tablets and mix it in with her food.
2007-01-28 21:06:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well, its sounds like beloved Rainbow is going to die. He has a serious epidermic condition that is uncurable. You should do rainbow a favor and flush him down the toilet. The condition is painful and a slow killer. Be a responsible owner and put your old friend out of his misery. I know it's sad, but do what is best for him.
2007-01-28 20:47:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
give it some fresh grass
2007-01-28 20:47:34 · answer #9 · answered by kat_luvr2003 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
sounds like cancer...I'd get the poor thing to a vet...why didn't you do it sooner ???
2007-01-28 20:46:09 · answer #10 · answered by Chrys 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋