My guinea pig is shedding hair and losing weight. Is she sick?

Question

I have a female guinea pig, Lucy, who is a little over three years old. She was recently at the vet for a urinary tract infection and was put on an antibiotic and appears to be completely recovered from that. However, I have noticed within the past week that she is shedding unusually large amounts of hair just constantly. She usually sheds a bit, but she is shedding more than normal. She has also lost about four ounces in weight. Could these be serious symptoms of sickness? Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 4 months old

Penelope Graben, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, When I see guinea pigs with hair loss (usually over their backs) and weight loss, I often think of reproductive tract problems. Guinea pigs commonly get ovarian cysts and the extra estrogen production causes hormonal hair loss. Four ounces is significant weight loss for a guinea pig, and I would recommend having her checked to be sure of what is going on. I hope this is helpful.

My guinea pig is shedding hair and losing weight. Is she sick?

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