Ringworm in Guinea pigs
Ringworm in Guineapigs
What is ringworm and what does it look like?
Ringworm is an air born fungal infection which affects many guineapigs. It is highly contagious to humans and other animals so therefore when handling your guineapig it is best to wear rubber gloves or be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. If your guineapig is living with other guineapigs then there is a very high chance that the other will have already caught it even if they are not showing signs at this stage.
Ringworm usually starts around a guineapigs face (round their nose, eyes or ears), forming hairless circles that are usually itchy and uncomfortable for your guineapig. The bald areas are very often flaky and red. In some cases (like Bruno, pictured) it can start on their back, still with the same circular shape.
Treatment
First of all do not panic, ringworm is very common in guineapigs and can be easily treated once you know how. If you are unable to diagnose the ringworm even after reading the description above, then a vet will be able to help you by using a woodlamp.
Ringworm can be treated with over the counter human fungal cream such as canetsen. Apply canesten cream to the affected area three times a day, If the ringworm is very raw looking then you could also use some sudocream on top to help to sooth it.
Another great treatment is Imaverol. Imaverol needs to be diluted. 1 cap of imaverol to 50 caps warm water. The whole guineapig needs to be covered in the solution (even their head). Once the guineapig has been dipped in the solution you need to leave them to dry naturally in a warm place so they do not get a chill. If the ringworm is still visable after two weeks then you need to repeat the steps. Imaverol can be purchased online, the cheapest site I have found is www.viovet.co.uk.
Your guineapigs environment will also need to be disinfected as fungal spores can live in wood, I recommend discarding any wooden toys your guineapig may have that can easily be replaced.
If you do not feel confident in using these methods then be sure to get in touch with your vet.
Prevention
The best way to prevent your guineapigs from getting ringworm is to keep the environment in which they live in clean and to feed them a good diet making sure they get all the vitamin c they need to boost their immune system.
