General Bathing and brushing hurts (literally)

[Rubyandpatches]

When Ruby, my lilac peruvian, was 5 months old she was attacked by a feral rat (the rat got into our apartment through the radiator and went into her home for food (she was 4 feet off the ground, but rats are great climbers). The rat, we realized, had been doing this for awhile with our blind and deaf pig (Moby passed away) and because he was blind, he did not even know the rat was there, so no fights.
Ruby definitely surprised the rat! The radiator was immediately sealed shut and no more rats, thank pig!

She was in the hospital for a night and had plenty of stitches and bloodiness to show for her bravery trying to fight the rat off.
She now has scars underneath her long fur and it is super sensitive when they are touched. I'm a dog groomer, so I took home my most gentle brush for her and lightly brush and trim her.. but during the whole process she will scream if I go near a scar. I don't blame her, they must hurt!

Are there any ways to get rid of this sensitivity? I don't want her to be uncomfortable. The vet had no suggestions. A cream perhaps?:eye-poppi

 

[Onetwo]

How long ago was that? I am pretty sensitive to pain and I've had some scars that were sensitive for 1-2 years. I would just be as gentle as possible for now and maybe if you keep it up she will begin to like it again at some point. With her being a peruvian you HAVE to trim, bathe and brush her so there is not much you can do except be gently and give lots of food and love afterwards. Also short hair piggies shouldn't be bathed more than 4 times a year and longhairs no more than ever 4-6 weeks.

I highly doubt there is any safe scar creams that could be used or helpful. I would suggest trying Gorgious Guineas hair products. They are top notch and handmade.

Gorgeous Guineas

It is UK but they deliver worldwide. There really is no alternative here in the US. Its great stuff and worth every penny. She has a great product for long haired piggies to make tangles and stuff easier to deal with!!!

 

[Rubyandpatches]

She's almost 2 so about a year and a half?
I bathe her butt once a month or so and brush her every other day.. trim her when she needs it (usually once a week). I've been doing this since she grew her hair long.. maybe 8 months old

I will check out Gorgious Guineas! Thank you

 

[Onetwo]

It could be that she just doesn't like being bathed, brushed and such and not so much to do with the scars. I've heard of piggies not liking being brushed and acting like they were being killed. Hehe The GG shampoo should help with any pain in brushing and bathing. Keeping her hair trimmed short will help too. I use an old hair trimmer and pull the hair a bit with my comb and run the trimmers along the comb like hair stylests do. I LOVE long haired piggies. I would love to see some pics...

 

[Rubyandpatches]

It could explain a bit, but when a particular scar is lightly touched she screams as well.. :/ I'm wondering if the sensitivity will just go away on its own.

This is Ruby after a haircut (I gave her a perm lol!)


And Patches - he's a shy boy but will do anything for a carrot

 

[allycat]

There are things we do with humans to help desensitize scars. not sure if it would work on guinea pigs but here is a link with some info
Patient instructions desensitization

 

[Rubyandpatches]

Thank you!

 

[suzilovespiggie]

Ruby is adorable!! Love the picture of her face in the towel. (Poor baby to have had to go thru such an ordeal!)
My thought on it, Could the hair by the scars just be trimmed often? That way they wouldn't have to be brushed often?
Do like the idea of the gentle hair products. I have not use them but if the hair will stay soft, maybe it won't hurt as much when you do work with her.
And of course a soft loving touch with loving coos from you will always help.

 

[Hhbean]

Poor sweet piggy. I don't have any advise but just wanted to tell you how cute your piggies are!

 

[voiletmay]

One of my piggies Angel had a tumor removed from her rump in May and is still very sensitive on that spot. The hair still hasn't grown back. I find it needs cleaning every now and then because the skin there gets all scaly if I just leave it.

Maybe keeping her fur short so she doesn't need brushing. Wont look as good but it might be easier for her.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

I agree with voiletmay--keep her hair trimmed short so she doesn't need brushing. Having long pretty hair isn't in the best interest of the guinea pig!