What to do for open sores on guinea pig belly ??

Question

We went on vacation and I had a friend watch them. When we came home, their bedding had not been changed, this was like 2 weeks. Ugh, I know. So anyway, they have these scaley spots and open sores on there belly, no where else but on their belly, I thought if it were mites it would be on more than the belly. Not sure if it is from wet bedding irritating or what. They have always had pine bedding, and never had this before.. Any ideas as to whats wrong or how to treat their bellies until I can get to the vet?? Maybe ingredients for a bath or something?? Aything would be helpful. Thanks !!

Answer 1

go to the vet imedeatly

Answer 2

It could be mites or lice.  I am sure that it was caused from soiled bedding.  Some friend.  How could he not change the bedding for the whole two weeks.  If I were you, I would take it to the vet and make your friend pay the bill and in the future I wouldn't let him watch your guinea pig anymore.

Answer 3

i would if you could wash it out as best as you can. i know it might hurt but if you clean in and put them in somewhere where they cant get shavings stuck in the sores and make it worse.  i really don't know, you could be disinfecting stuff on it to kill any infection that could of happened. take him into the vet as soon as possible

Answer 4

It doesn't sound like mites. More than likely, the sores are from urine scald. As long as they don't appear infected (red streakish skin around the sores, pus exuding from them) they should heal on their own. If they are infected, you'll need to see an exotics vet and have some antibiotics prescribed.

They do need to be kept very clean. A 50/50 solution of sterile water and iodine will do. Apply this with a clean cloth on the affected area two to three times per day. (Hint: use an old cloth--iodine stains & will not come out).

There is no need to bathe the piggies. If the hair on the underbelly is dirty, just wash *that* area with a shampoo designed for use with "small animals". This can be found at any pet supply and is fairly inexpensive.

You probably already know this, but I'm going to say it "just in case". Guinea pigs should never be kept on regular pine or cedar bedding due to severe respiratory issues that will eventually develop. Only "Kiln Dried" pine should be used.

Do NOT try to put any triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) on the sores. One of the antibiotics in this medication is toxic to guinea pigs if ingested and yes, they will try to l**k it off when you're not looking. :P

Best of luck!