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Why is my guinea pig losing hair and scabby near its eye?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male

One of my guinea pigs has quite a lot of hair missing near his eye and it has gone all scabby. What does this mean? Can we get something to treat it in the shops or is it best to take him to the vets

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 7th, 2018

Spike could have a skin or eye infection causing hair loss or he could have a parasite such as lice, mites or ringworm causing it. Because of the multiple possibilities and the likelihood of requiring a prescription medication I would take him straight to the vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 21st, 2018

    Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I think you should take Ron to the vet. Skin diseases in guinea pigs can be caused by many different things. Without examining him myself I think the top possibilities are ringworm and skin mites (mange). These things cannot be treated at home - you need prescription medication from your vet. You must be very careful using medications so close to the eye or you could damage his vision or even cause blindness. Please realize that not everything can be "cured" at home. Sometimes you need a vet. Just like sometimes you need a doctor. It is not an emergency but please take Ron to the vet when you can get the funds together. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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