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Why is my guinea pig bloated and losing fur patches? Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 7 months old

I recently rescued a guinea pig. She seems bloated, and is losing fur patches. Is an enlarged abdomen normal in this species? And why does she have bald spots?

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

Bald patch can be a sign of a skin disease, often either mites or ringworm. enlarged abdomen is quite common in guinea pigs, as long as it is soft it is usually normal although she could also be pregnant.

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