My young guinea pig is losing weight and her private area is swollen.

I am sorry to hear about your guinea pig. A photograph may help us better evaluate the area. If you are certain the area looks swollen (meaning you have viewed the area previously and it now appears altered) I would recommend a visit to the vet for your guinea pig. If you aren’t positive the gender of your guinea pig it’s possible this is a male starting to sexually mature. You can read about determining gender at http://www.guinealynx.info/sexing.html

I didn't see that you mentioned how old Lilypad is, but this could be a sign of a medical problem. Cystic ovaries are very common in guinea pigs, and their presence can result in behavior changes. Additionally, other medical problems, such as urinary issues, can also result in urine spraying/urinating more frequently than normal. I would recommend having Lilypad examined by a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination, and may recommend radiographs (x-rays) or a ultrasound depending on what is found. From there, they can make recommendations for treatments. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope that your sweet guinea pig feels better soon!

Well, the first thing you'll need to do is figure out whether or not this is a male or female. There are lots of images available on guinea pig sexing and guinea pig anatomy so that you will be able to figure this out most likely. In terms of the symptoms you've reported, I would have to see pictures and perform a physical exam to give you my take. It sounds like you could be right, but there are also many other reasons for both pain and swelling in the abdomen. I would recommend having you and your parents bring him to a veterinarian comfortable treating small mammals. Hope this makes sense.

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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Weight loss can be caused by overgrown teeth, and thus difficulty eating/chewing. However, other, nonspecific signs such as pain, can also cause reluctance to eat. Bandit may have an eye infection or corneal ulcer, which is causing him some discomfort. I recommend having him seen by a vet, who can file his teeth if necessary, and determine exactly what is going on with his eye. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lucy. Poor girl! This looks like she has blood in her urine and this can be caused by a UTI, or urinary stones in the bladder or kidneys. She needs to see a vet for this problem to get it diagnosed and treated. I'd take her into a vet today. I hope this helps!

It is hard to tell from the photo but the swelling may just be his testicles they can retract them, so sometimes you won't see them. If there are 2 swellings then it will be tested, if not or you are unsure best to have it checked at the vets.