Fungal infection

[willow&clover19]

Is this a fungal infection? I only adopted this little girl with her sister three weeks ago Friday. This is my first time owning guinea pigs. I was wondering is there some sort of shampoo I could get we don’t have any exotic vets that I know of.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Please do see a vet. It could be a fungal infection but only a vet can make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. Please don’t be tempted to use any shampoos or any form of home treatment for any health condition. Using any home treatments for is usually not effective, it can make the problem worse due to being ineffective and therefore harder to treat. Using any product on such an area before seeing a vet can also wipe the evidence that a vet needs to use to make a diagnosis.

New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites

 

[Wiebke]

Is this a fungal infection? I only adopted this little girl with her sister three weeks ago Friday. This is my first time owning guinea pigs. I was wondering is there some sort of shampoo I could get we don’t have any exotic vets that I know of.View attachment 172632

Hi and welcome!

It rather looks like ringworm. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose for you from just a picture and without a hands-on examination; nor are we qualified to replace a vet.
Please never home treat on spec (especially not in the case of skin issues), before seeing a vet and making a diagnosis impossible by wiping the crime scene. With any skin problem, it is always best to see a vet first and then step in with vet grade medication; it will get you there sooner and you can get on top of the issue once and for all.

Please see a vet and if ringworm is diagnosed, ask them for (precription only) oral itrafungol as the most effective treatment for ringworm, so you can keep any stressful bathing to a minimum of one at the end of treatment to ensure that no spores are stuck in the fur coat and can cause a new infection later. The location of the patches points towards the piggy having been exposed to ringworm either itself or from living with untreated acute ringworm piggies, and that the spores have likely arrived sitting in the coat. The time between contracting the infection and acute outbreak is 10-14 days in the case of ringworm. For that reason, you need to treat all guinea pigs and other species pets in potential contact with acute ringworm piggies even if they are not showing any symptoms yet; they may already be infected.

PLEASE take the time to read our comprehensive practical step-by-step ringworm guide. The big problem with ringworm are the invisibly tiny highly contagious and long-lived ringworm spores, so good hygiene and a vet grade disinfectant are paramount. In nearly 15 years of existence, we have had ample time to test all possible ways of of treatment and work out all the many ways ringworm can be passed on and how to stop that (including you contracting and passing the infection on). The last chapter of the guide contains pictures of how an acute ringworm outbreak runs its due course so you know when the acute phase is over.
Here is the link. You will find all the necessary detailed information and tip in there to get on top of ringworm once and for all: Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

Here is our recommended vets locator from the top bar, where you can also find our recommended rescues locator: Vet Locator
However, any decent general vet should be able to recognise and treat ringworm.

Please also notify the rescue if you have adopted from one and have not rehomed privately. This should not happen in a good welfare standard rescue with mandatory quarantine and vet care although since anybody in this country can call themselves a rescue and/or breeder (or any shade in between) without licensing or supervision, the results can sadly be accordingly if you chanced upon a sub-standard one.

 

[Swissgreys]

Please do look at the vet locator that Wiebke linked to and try to get a proper diagnosis.

BUT a general vet can also deal with a common problem like ringworm, so if a specialist is too far away a good local vet will also be able to prescribe the proper treatment.

 

[Flutterby]

Please see a vet and let us know how you get on. Sending healing vibes x

 

[willow&clover19]

Please do see a vet. It could be a fungal infection but only a vet can make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. Please don’t be tempted to use any shampoos or any form of home treatment for any health condition. Using any home treatments for is usually not effective, it can make the problem worse due to being ineffective and therefore harder to treat. Using any product on such an area before seeing a vet can also wipe the evidence that a vet needs to use to make a diagnosis.

New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites

I have to bring my dog to the vets anyway and anytime I google exotic vet his vet comes up so I’ll call and see if there’s an appointment. Thanks for helping.

 

[willow&clover19]

Hi and welcome!

It rather looks like ringworm. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose for you from just a picture and without a hands-on examination; nor are we qualified to replace a vet.
Please never home treat on spec (especially not in the case of skin issues), before seeing a vet and making a diagnosis impossible by wiping the crime scene. With any skin problem, it is always best to see a vet first and then step in with vet grade medication; it will get you there sooner and you can get on top of the issue once and for all.

Please see a vet and if ringworm is diagnosed, ask them for (precription only) oral itrafungol as the most effective treatment for ringworm, so you can keep any stressful bathing to a minimum of one at the end of treatment to ensure that no spores are stuck in the fur coat and can cause a new infection later. The location of the patches points towards the piggy having been exposed to ringworm either itself or from living with untreated acute ringworm piggies, and that the spores have likely arrived sitting in the coat. The time between contracting the infection and acute outbreak is 10-14 days in the case of ringworm. For that reason, you need to treat all guinea pigs and other species pets in potential contact with acute ringworm piggies even if they are not showing any symptoms yet; they may already be infected.

PLEASE take the time to read our comprehensive practical step-by-step ringworm guide. The big problem with ringworm are the invisibly tiny highly contagious and long-lived ringworm spores, so good hygiene and a vet grade disinfectant are paramount. In nearly 15 years of existence, we have had ample time to test all possible ways of of treatment and work out all the many ways ringworm can be passed on and how to stop that (including you contracting and passing the infection on). The last chapter of the guide contains pictures of how an acute ringworm outbreak runs its due course so you know when the acute phase is over.
Here is the link. You will find all the necessary detailed information and tip in there to get on top of ringworm once and for all: Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

Here is our recommended vets locator from the top bar, where you can also find our recommended rescues locator: Vet Locator
However, any decent general vet should be able to recognise and treat ringworm.

Please also notify the rescue if you have adopted from one and have not rehomed privately. This should not happen in a good welfare standard rescue with mandatory quarantine and vet care although since anybody in this country can call themselves a rescue and/or breeder (or any shade in between) without licensing or supervision, the results can sadly be accordingly if you chanced upon a sub-standard one.

I adopted the girls from a private home there they were living with other older pigs as they were the youngest. They were living outside. I suspect it originated there

 

[willow&clover19]

Please do look at the vet locator that Wiebke linked to and try to get a proper diagnosis.

BUT a general vet can also deal with a common problem like ringworm, so if a specialist is too far away a good local vet will also be able to prescribe the proper treatment.

There is a vet is my area who is very nice and charges very low I have to call in for my dog so while I’m on the phone I’ll ask if he takes guinea pigs.

 

[willow&clover19]

Please see a vet and let us know how you get on. Sending healing vibes x

Thank you so much!

 

[Wiebke]

I adopted the girls from a private home there they were living with other older pigs as they were the youngest. They were living outside. I suspect it originated there

It definitely originated there.

Please take the time to read our hygiene guide (which does really work if you follow it fully), so you can order F10 disinfectant straight away and also know better what to discuss/ask your vet.

Please make sure that your dog doesn't come within reach of ringworm spores/that you give them an antifungal bath within the 10-14 days gap of the first spot appearing and him developing acute ringworm, too.
Also look out for yourself in case you have touched the spots/piggies/bedding with bare hands and no thorough hand washing afterwards.

The best way of dealing with ringworm is to be really thorough with your hygiene and to throw the kitchen sink at it so you can get rid of all spores once and for all and not carry any forward after the end of treatment. It also pays to go for the best possible treatment so you are past the acute stage within 1-2 weeks and can then conduct a 2 week observation/quarantine safety phase - the latter is important especially if you have children as they tend to get ringworm worse and may need an antibiotic. Ringworm is a real pain in the neck but you can get past it.

All the best!

 

[willow&clover19]

My dog thankfully is only allowed downstairs so hopefully he’s all good. Since the girls are new they won’t let me touch them but have no problem climbing on my knee and sitting there for treats I always wash my hands thoroughly after cleaning the cage.

 

[Wiebke]

My dog thankfully is only allowed downstairs so hopefully he’s all good. Since the girls are new they won’t let me touch them but have no problem climbing on my knee and sitting there for treats I always wash my hands thoroughly after cleaning the cage.

Please wash your trousers, too (see guide on advice for any fabrics in potential contact with ringworm). You can transmit spores that are sitting in your clothing... I've work that one out the hard way.

 

[willow&clover19]

Oh I’m wearing them at the minute straight into the wash.

 

[Piggies&buns]

You need to be very very strict so as to not spread the spores everywhere - very strict personal hygiene (changing clothes, showering after being in any contact with the piggies, their items, bedding etc), F10 disinfectant in the cage, throw away items you can’t wash etc. The guide explains how thorough you need to be.

 

[willow&clover19]

You need to be very very strict so as to not spread the spores everywhere - very strict personal hygiene (changing clothes, showering after being in any contact with the piggies, their items, bedding etc), F10 disinfectant in the cage, throw away items you can’t wash etc. The guide explains how thorough you need to be.

Will do. I’m phoning the vet tonight.

 

[VickiA]

I've nothing to add to the above - the others have said it all and linked all the guides. Ringworm fills most of us with dread. It is so contagious and the deep cleaning is relentless until you have got on top of the infection. Good luck.

 

[willow&clover19]

UPDATE! I called the vet and they don’t take Guinea pigs. He told me to bath them to get rid of spores and use anti dandruff shampoo then dry them off and put on anti fungal cream which I got from the pharmacy then leave it on.

 

[Piggies&buns]

⚠UPDATE!⚠ I called the vet and they don’t take Guinea pigs. He told me to bath them to get rid of spores and use anti dandruff shampoo then dry them off and put on anti fungal cream which I got from the pharmacy then leave it on.

I’d recommend you try another vet to get a hands on diagnosis and preferably an oral treatment which is the most effective method of dealing with ringworm.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

 

[Wiebke]

⚠UPDATE!⚠ I called the vet and they don’t take Guinea pigs. He told me to bath them to get rid of spores and use anti dandruff shampoo then dry them off and put on anti fungal cream which I got from the pharmacy then leave it on.

Hi!

PLEASE do not use anti-dandruff shampoo because it is very harsh on guinea pig skin - it is formulated to human skin and not for a rodent ph. Thick creaming is also no longer recommended. The bath and creaming method is frankly not the most effective, suitable or up to date.
That is the problem with vets who are not taking piggies.

Better treatment methods are listed in the ringworm guide.

 

[Swissgreys]

Where in the UK are you based?
Please allow members to help you find a vet who will see your piggies and give you a proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

[willow&clover19]

I’d recommend you try another vet to get a hands on diagnosis and preferably an oral treatment which is the most effective method of dealing with ringworm.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

I can’t find any vets that take guinea pigs and everywhere i have researched says I can treat it at home so I’m really confused. I watched the L.A guinea pig rescues video on how to deal with ringworm and they said the same thing as the vet but I will try to find an oral medication.

 

[willow&clover19]

Hi!

PLEASE do not use anti-dandruff shampoo because it is very harsh on guinea pig skin - it is formulated to human skin and not for a rodent ph. Thick creaming is also no longer recommended. The bath and creaming method is frankly not the most effective, suitable or up to date.
That is the problem with vets who are not taking piggies.

Better treatment methods are listed in the ringworm guide.

I can’t find any vets that take guinea pigs and everywhere i have researched says I can treat it at home so I’m really confused. I watched the L.A guinea pig rescues video on how to deal with ringworm and they said the same thing as the vet but I will try to find an oral medication.

Hi!

PLEASE do not use anti-dandruff shampoo because it is very harsh on guinea pig skin - it is formulated to human skin and not for a rodent ph. Thick creaming is also no longer recommended. The bath and creaming method is frankly not the most effective, suitable or up to date.
That is the problem with vets who are not taking piggies.

Better treatment methods are listed in the ringworm guide.

everywhere i have researched says I can treat it at home so I’m really confused and stressed. I watched the L.A guinea pig rescues video on how to deal with ringworm and they said the same thing as the vet but I will try to find an oral medication.

 

[willow&clover19]

Where in the UK are you based?
Please allow members to help you find a vet who will see your piggies and give you a proper diagnosis and treatment.

County Tyrone Northern Ireland thank you so much I think the vet finder may be glitched on my end.

 

[Honey and Blossom]

Hello, that looks like ringworm to me, but do try and see a vet. I have seen that you tried to go to the vet but they don't take Piggies but if you are UK based try vets4pets. I would NOT recommend using anti-dandruff shampoo as some brands can be too harsh on the piggies skin. Believe it or not but my 2 Gps have ringworm! If you are struggling to see a vet then my advice is to not touch them as humans can catch ringworm from the Gps but do not worry. Just be careful and we are here to help. SO if you need anything then let us know and keep us updated. I can help with any of your Ringworm questions as I know what you may have to go through.

 

[willow&clover19]

Hello, that looks like ringworm to me, but do try and see a vet. I have seen that you tried to go to the vet but they don't take Piggies but if you are UK based try vets4pets. I would NOT recommend using anti-dandruff shampoo as some brands can be too harsh on the piggies skin. Believe it or not but my 2 Gps have ringworm! If you are struggling to see a vet then my advice is to not touch them as humans can catch ringworm from the Gps but do not worry. Just be careful and we are here to help. SO if you need anything then let us know and keep us updated. I can help with any of your Ringworm questions as I know what you may have to go through.

I’m just really stressed as I can’t lift them since they have only been with me for three weeks. I put on some anti fungal cream and they are in a big box full of hay while I wash all the things in their cage.

 

[Honey and Blossom]

I’m just really stressed as I can’t lift them since they have only been with me for three weeks. I put on some anti fungal cream and they are in a big box full of hay while I wash all the things in their cage.

Ok, thats great. No need to be stressed. I was at first but you just need to calm down. Try and book a appointment to the vets ASAP so you can get some antibiotics for them but in the mean time, you can only do your best. Just try and reduce contact with them and sanitise regularly. Is it both of them that have those marks on them or is it just one of them?

 

[willow&clover19]

Ok, thats great. No need to be stressed. I was at first but you just need to calm down. Try and book a appointment to the vets ASAP so you can get some antibiotics for them but in the mean time, you can only do your best. Just try and reduce contact with them and sanitise regularly. Is it both of them that have those marks on them or is it just one of them?

One of them at the moment. The marks are all over her upper back neck and nose I can send a picture of how she looks at the moment.

 

[Honey and Blossom]

One of them at the moment. The marks are all over her upper back neck and nose I can send a picture of how she looks at the moment.

Ok, you probably will find out that the other one will soon have it aswell. It can be easy to spread, but it is better with both of them having it so you don't have to separate them. I hope it goes well and if you can keep up updated with photos.

 

[willow&clover19]

Here is a photo of one of them at the minute it looks awful.

 

[Honey and Blossom]

Here is a photo of one of them at the minute it looks awful.

Hi, I would take them BOTH to the vet ASAP as that looks quite bad. Vets4pets is really good