newbie with guinea pigs. what is this?

[Betty1980]

Hi. hope you can help. only had guinea pigs for about 2 months. noticed last night a circular scab on one of her rosettes and now today a large scaly sore area on her bottom. Any ideas? what should I do?

Take her to the vet?

Do I have to be registered with a vet?

If the piggy needs medical attention then yes you should register with a vet.

no you can just phone up and book an appointment.

sorry, x-post, at any rate I can just walk in to my local vet and do not need to register.

Sounds like ringworm. Not serious but will need treatment. Contact your local vet and you should be able to register and book an appointment over the phone.

Could be skin mites as well, all guinea pigs have mites and they are usually harmless but they can irritate at times of stress. Yes take her to the vet.

Mites tends to be on the rump and the hairs can 'snap'
Fungal infections can give a scabby, scurfy look
Could be self barbering or the other pig chewing her fur

Could be a combination things are never simple.

Most guineas can carry a mite load which causes no trouble unless they are stressed then like alot of skin related problems, stress aggrevates it.

Have a look at the Gorgeous Guineas Website - there are some really good photos. They sell various treatment shampoos and melts . You can email for advice but it might take them a while to get back to you.
For the health and comfort of your piggie, take them both to the vet and have them checked.
Good Luck.

Ok will take to the vet, won't be able to get there til Tuesday though. anything I can do at home in the meantime?

Maybe bathe the area in warm salted water to keep it clean.
It's soothing too if she's tempted to scratch or pick at it.