Conditions Large flat Black Flakes on guinea pig

[AkkioKasumi]

I bought a guinea pig 2 months ago that really needed a home. He had different kinds of flakes when i got him and I got rid of all of them except for these shown above. They are flat black flakes and rather large. They are located near his bum. When i first received this older male pig, his fur was very rough and thin. His fur is much better now after i have given him protein. These flakes are not a from a bug because my other pig that is around him often has not caught anything. These flakes do not seem to bother my pig. My pig has black and white skin. Could these flakes be skin from being malnutrition? The hair in the area with these flakes shed often but no balding. Just thin hair in that area. The flakes can crumble. There are no rashes, sores, or red areas either. If no one knows what it is, he will be going to the vet. Thanks.

 

[MissJean]

I can't help with the black flake issue, but can you clarify what you mean by "giving him protein"?

 

[AkkioKasumi]

I would make sure he would have protein in his diet. The shop i got him from was about to close and was on a budget. They only fed him hay. He had no pellets so when i have him a treat, i made sure it had peanut butter in it or some kind of protein everytime. I also gave him the forti-diet pellet food. since, his fur improved.

 

[Wildcavy]

I don't think you should give him peanut butter.

We adopted a badly malnourished pig, and what turned the trick there was good pellets, access to good veg every day, and vitamin C drops. And unlimited, good-quality hay.

 

[AkkioKasumi]

ok. I did start water vitamins last night after looking at these flakes. I do not give him peanut butter straight though.It is mixed in the treat like organic dog treats that have peanut butter in them. What is the best kind of hay?

 

[MissJean]

Nut and seed products are no good for guinea pigs. What pellets are you feeding?

Also, I'm wondering if the flakes are coming off where the grease gland is located? http://www.guinealynx.info/grooming.html
If this happens to be the case, that page also gives tips on cleaning it.

 

[AkkioKasumi]

forti-diet pellet food by Kaytee

 

[AkkioKasumi]

no, it appears to be a little higher above the gland.

 

[bpatters]

For heaven's sake, don't give pigs peanut butter. The kind of protein they need is contained in long strand grass hay (timothy, meadow, orchard, blue, brome). Those flakes are not from malnutrition.

If it weren't for that big flake, I'd say it looks like flea dirt. But if that were the case, you'd definitely see them moving, and the pig would be scratching. They're too dark in color to be static lice. I'm betting on dirt from his grease gland.

I'd give him a butt bath and soap the area of his grease gland with a drop of Dawn dishwashing liquid (not any other brand, just Dawn). Suds it up good and massage the area to get any grease and dirt off, rinse him well, and then dry him off.

Then, watch carefully to see if the black stuff is still there, or if it comes back. If so, we'll have another go at it.

 

[AkkioKasumi]

If people would actually read what i said... the pb is mixed into the treat so he cannot choke. There are no nut pieces or seeds. I have had him for two months and i have been bathing him and it still remains the flakes are above the grease spot. Is it still possible that it still could be from that?

 

[englishdaffodil]

The problem with the peanut butter is not just about choking--it's really not good for them to have nut products at all. This page will tell you most all you need to know about the right diet for your piggy: http://www.guinealynx.info/diet.html

I hear your frustration about the flakes. It sounds like others are saying that until your little guy is getting proper nutrition it may be harder to make a correct diagnosis.

 

[MissJean]

If people would actually read what i said... the pb is mixed into the treat so he cannot choke. There are no nut pieces or seeds. I have had him for two months and i have been bathing him and it still remains the flakes are above the grease spot. Is it still possible that it still could be from that?

It doesn't matter if it's mixed in, smooth and creamy, whatever. They're not supposed to have it in their diet at all. Peanut butter is filled with horrible fats that are barely suitable for humans on a regular basis. Do not feed it to your guinea pig.

You sound like you need to do a lot of reading up on what they should eat, since no seeds or nuts is the most basic of information Try here: https://www.guineapigcages.com/foru...y-nutrition-charts-poisonous-plants-list.html

Sometimes the grease gland area is larger on some pigs. It's very tricky to clean. Bathing multiple times will only dry him out. You've already been given advice on how to soften and remove the excess gunk properly.

Kaytee pellets are also crap. The best brands are KMS and Oxbow, but Mazuri and Sweet Meadow are suitable if the first two are a no go. Where are you located?

 

[AkkioKasumi]

It doesn't matter if it's mixed in, smooth and creamy, whatever. They're not supposed to have it in their diet at all. Peanut butter is filled with horrible fats that are barely suitable for humans on a regular basis. Do not feed it to your guinea pig.

You sound like you need to do a lot of reading up on what they should eat, since no seeds or nuts is the most basic of information Try here: https://www.guineapigcages.com/foru...y-nutrition-charts-poisonous-plants-list.html

Sometimes the grease gland area is larger on some pigs. It's very tricky to clean. Bathing multiple times will only dry him out. You've already been given advice on how to soften and remove the excess gunk properly.

Kaytee pellets are also crap. The best brands are KMS and Oxbow, but Mazuri and Sweet Meadow are suitable if the first two are a no go. Where are you located?

Thank you!! I am glad someone is actually detailed! Seriously. I live in the US.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

I wouldn't get down on someone because they missed something you wrote. People do not get paid to answer your questions--they take their own time to come here and try to help people with their guinea pigs. Sometimes stuff gets missed. Sometimes people will give you links to pages that have the answer you are looking for.

Do not put anything in the water.

Please read the links given. The Care Guide at www.guinealynx.info is a good place to start.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

I wouldn't get down on someone because they missed something you wrote. People do not get paid to answer your questions--they take their own time to come here and try to help people with their guinea pigs. Sometimes stuff gets missed. Sometimes people will give you links to pages that have the answer you are looking for.

Do not put anything in the water.

Please read the links given. The Care Guide at www.guinealynx.info is a good place to start.

Black flakes are from the portions of the dark skin. The light skinned areas would have lighter flakes. Flaking skin could be from dry skin, or parasites such as fleas, mites, or lice, or from a fungal condition.