Hair Loss Bald patch on nose

[Murk21]

Hi there - I have a question about a bald spot on the nose of my new guinea pig, Templeton. We got two approx. 6 week old males about a week ago. About the third day I noticed a little bit of hard white stuff stuck in the fur on the top of Templeton's nose. Although I didn't know then, I'm guessing that it was boar glue. The other pig, Kevy, can often be seen humping Templeton's head. The little guys are still pretty skittish and i wasnt quite sure what to do about getting the stuff off. I decided I would try to take a warm washcloth to Templeton's nose the next morning but it was gone. This morning I noticed a tiny bald spot and a little black scab. I wondered that perhaps the two pigs aren't getting along, but besides the humping I havent seen any other aggresive behavior. Tonight I noticed the bald spot is slightly larger. Could he have pulled out his hair to get the glue out (but what could cause the scab)? Could Kevy have hurt him? Could it be mites or ringworm? I will make a vet appt but thought I'd put my question on the forum to see if you all have any ideas. I am also going to try to post a pic.

 

[Murk21]

Here is a pic of Templeton's nose. Thanks for your help!

 

[bpatters]

Boar glue could be used as construction adhesive. It could be that it got knocked off and took a little hair with it.

But if the spot gets bigger, get some Monistat or Lotrimin and put a tiny dab on with a Q-tip. Rub it in well so he won't ingest it while he's grooming. If it's a fungus, that should clear it up. If it's not, you'll need to see a vet.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

What a cute face!

It doesn't look like fungus right now. I bet it is from a bite, or from the boar glue. Ditto bPatters.

 

[Murk21]

Thanks so much for the advice. I will watch for now. I was baffled when I saw the boar glue and then just as baffled when it was gone. I completely understand what you mean by "construction adhesive" and can only imagine what it took to get it off his little nose

 

[pinky]

If it's a bite, keep a close eye on it in case it abscesses. If it looks infected or starts looking like a boil or lump, have it checked by a vet so they can clean it out. One of my guinea pigs developed an abscess after her cage mate bit her.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

A note about face mounting--some pigs just get so excited they mount whatever part of the pig they can reach. It has happened that these pigs can get nipped in the genitals! If you have a "face mounter" you might want to check from time to time for any injuries under there.

 

[Murk21]

Thanks everyone. It's now just a little bald patch. The scab fell off and didn't even leave a mark. I'll keep an eye on it and also watch for bite marks in the future!