Skin Problems Chaz has a pimple/scab near his nose.

[Momotaro]

Hi there I'm new to the forum, and a new cavy owner. I have a couple of boars and one of them (Chaz) has this pimple and/or scab next to his nose. Chaz is usually on the receiving end of Ginger's attempt to mount, and sometimes fights back, so it could be a scratch that is healing but I'm worried that it might be something more serious that shouldn't go untreated. The area looks dry and like a scab but with a small pimple in the middle. (see pics below) I have touched it and it doesn't appear to be painful or sensitive to touch.

Just looking for some general advise and wondering if I should have cause for concern. Thanks!

 

[ellisa]

I am no expert at cavy medical problems, but from the pictures it looks fungal to me.
Here's a link with info on fungus and treatment: https://www.guinealynx.info/fungus.html If it is a fungal infection, but very careful because it is contagious.
Hopefully someone else will chip in soon with other ideas!

 

[SurfingPigs]

I agree, definitely looks like a fungus, and the nose is a common spot. The link ellisa gave you should answer any questions.

 

[Momotaro]

Great. I'll see if I can track down some cream. I'll continue to keep the cage clean and see how it goes...

 

[SurfingPigs]

Be careful when handling your pig, and separate Chaz if the others aren't showing signs of infection, as this is highly infectious to both you and the other pigs. I would wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt when handling him, and wash up and change between handling him and the other pigs.

 

[petgal49]

How do pigs get fungus I am wondering?

 

[ellisa]

@petgal49 If you look at the link I posted above it says how they can get fungal infections. High heat and humidity levels, dirty cage conditions, stress, diet, genetics, crowding, age, external parasites, age, etc.