My guinea pig has crusty ears. What's wrong and what can I do?

I am so sorry for the delay in answering your question. Mites are very common in guinea pigs and may be the cause. Take her to your vet so they can determine if this is indeed the problem, and can advise you on how best to treat it. In the meantime, change the bedding daily and monitor her food and water intake--if she is lethargic, or is not eating or drinking, take her to the vet right away. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, and again I apologize for the delay!

Poor Ginger, I don't see how she is going to eat and go to the toilet in this condition. The infection is possibly into the inner ear and does warrant some antibiotics. I would also makes sure that there isn' t a foreign body at the base of this problem. I would recommend to have her rechecked as soon as possible as she will need supportive care. Hope this helps !

Thanks for reaching out about Chorizo and including photos. Common causes of dermatitis in guinea pigs are fungal infections (ringworm), mites and bacterial infections. This is likely ringworm, which is possible contagious to people. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

I would assume your sister meant an ear infection inside the ear, but I cannot be sure without seeing it. The best thing to do is take in your pet to your veterinarian-ear infections will require prescription antibiotics to clear up, and can become quite serious and painful for Fluff if it isn't treated soon and properly. I hope this helps!

Most likely this crusty, dry appearance to the ear is due to ringworm. I suggest you get Sebastian to your vet for an exam so they can confirm and make sure you have the correct medication for treatment. Here is a link to an article about this: ( https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/skin/c_ex_gp_ringworm_infection ) While you are waiting to get him to a vet you can start using a topical antifungal cream like this one: ( https://www.1800petmeds.com/Clotrimazole+Cream-prod10589.html ) Ringworm is contagious to people so please be sure that anyone who handles him washes their hands very well.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Hamtaro's ear- from the pictures you sent, it looks very red and inflamed. Ear mites may be a cause as well as fungal infections. A veterinarian can rule out ear mites with an ear cytology sample (basically a swab or sample of material from the ear) and a fungal culture of the hair near or around the ear. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. I would try and keep the area clean for now. Mild cleansing cloth or 3% hydrogen peroxide to the affected area may help until a diagnosis can be made with your veterinarian. I hope this helps and best of luck to you!

As long as he isn't shaking his head or scratching at the ear excessively, you can use a cotton swab dipped in mineral oil to gently clean the outer ear. Never insert anything down into the ear canal. Check and clean the ears once weekly. If he begins to scratch or shake, have him examined by your vet to diagnose and treat possible ear infection.