Why is my senior guinea pig going bald on her legs and belly?

Question

My guinea pig is 6 and a half she lives in on the winter and out in the summer, but now she will live inside full time, because she is old and lost her friend before summer. She eats a lot of food, veg and hay, she always has fresh water. But recently I have noticed she is going bold on her back legs and stomach it isn’t mites what could it be? Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 7 months old

Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM · Accepted Answer

Hello. Hair loss in an older female guinea pig is often related to cystic ovaries. The abnormal ovary produced hormones that cause the hair to fall out, usually on the trunk, back or belly. Sometimes, hairliss can be from over grooming, parasites, a thyroid condition, or if the Guinge is rubbing on somethin in the cage. Since she doesn’t sound itchy or inflamed, and she’s an older female, i would be suspicious of cystic ovaries. I would recommend taking Guinge to see a veterinarian who can do a physical exam, feel her belly for possibly cystic ovaries, and if needed do an ultrasound to identify and assess the ovaries. If they are indeed cystic, they can either be treated surgically with removal of the ovaries, or with injections of hormones to reduced the cyst size and activity (though these injections need to be given every 4 weeks or so). Hopefully it’s something simple! Good luck!

Why is my senior guinea pig going bald on her legs and belly?

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