Scabby, scaly patch on the nose

[Stiff]

Hello, I'm new to the forum, sadly I joined seeking advice on the health of my Strudel.

I've been away most of the weekend and come back to notice he has a spot on his nose just smaller than a 5 pence piece that is bloody, hairless and dry. I'm concerned as he's only just finished a course of baytril for a snotty nose.

Attached are pictures (the best I could get) of the spot. Has anyone seen this before? I've also put one up of the big boy just to show he's a lovely big pig :-)

Of course, I'll call the vet tomorrow I'm just after a bit of guidance in the mean time.

 

[piggyfan]

It looks to me like ringworm or some sort of parasite. Poor little baby.

 

[first_time_piggie_mum]

*bump

 

[Shellza]

Looks suspiciously like ringworm to me. Mine had it a while back. Best get it checked by the vet.

Heres some info on fungal infections

http://www.guinealynx.info/fungus.html

Does this sound like what your gp has?

 

[scpiggy]

I agree it looks like ringworm. Three of my girls had it and it looked very similar to what your pig has.
Unfortunatly ringworm can spread between species and can infect people so might be worth checking any other pets for signs of it.

 

[flintstones]

Ringworm is highly contagious so make sure you wear gloves and wash hand's after handling.

Anything wooden or cardboard bin and disinfect there cage using an Antifungal Spray.

 

[missy]

Hi Stiff,

Welcome!

From what I can tell I agree that it looks like a fungal/ringworm problem. Gorgeous Guineas has some useful info and photos:
http://www.gorgeousguineas.com/photogallery.html

I'd definitely get a Vet's opinion though. Ringworm can be a pain to clear up so, until you know for sure, gloves are definitely a good idea!

Strudel is a very handsome chap! Hope you can get him better soon x

 

[Stiff]

Thank you all for your comments. Strudel is booked in this afternoon at the docs to have his poorly patch looked at. :-)

I'll update you all as and when I find out.

Any advice I can do as an owner to help? Apart from binning anything that may be able to carry a parasite/germs?

 

[missy]

If I were you I'd use a veterinary disinfectant product called F10 to clean their cage and any other hard surfaced cage accessories (plastic houses etc). Apparently most cage cleaners (even other specialist ones) are not effective against the specific fungal spores which cause ringworm (even if they do have other anti-fungal properties) so if it is ringworm then F10 would definitely be the cleaner I'd use....and even if it's not ringworm then F10 is still a great choice!

 

[Stiff]

If I were you I'd use a veterinary disinfectant product called F10 to clean their cage and any other hard surfaced cage accessories (plastic houses etc). Apparently most cage cleaners (even other specialist ones) are not effective against the specific fungal spores which cause ringworm (even if they do have other anti-fungal properties) so if it is ringworm then F10 would definitely be the cleaner I'd use....and even if it's not ringworm then F10 is still a great choice!

Thanks for the input. I'll try and pick up some stuff from the vets while I'm there today.
Will (very) hot soapy water be enough for his bowls? He has a couple of ceramic food bowls and a water bowl (two water bottles too).
I have a plastic house to keep him until this problem clears, is it best to keep the cage spartan until Strudel is all better? My thinking is there's no point in spending money on cage toys/houses while he's still ill as germs could settle in the new stuff and require throwing away again.

 

[Stiff]

I agree it looks like ringworm. Three of my girls had it and it looked very similar to what your pig has.
Unfortunatly ringworm can spread between species and can infect people so might be worth checking any other pets for signs of it.

Sadly, Strudel is the last of three. There once was Ozzy and Strudel, a URI infection got Ozzy. Then I found Mr Tibbs for Strudel to have some company and Mr Tibbs suffered a very quick and curious end.

Strudel will have to remain on his own as I can't take on any more pets due to living circumstances.

 

[missy]

I'll try and pick up some stuff from the vets while I'm there today.
Will (very) hot soapy water be enough for his bowls? He has a couple of ceramic food bowls and a water bowl (two water bottles too).

To be honest, I'm not an expert and am not sure if hot water would be enough. I'd definitely ask your Vet for advice on this, based on their diagnosis of the problem.

F10 disinfectant can be bought online from various pet supplies companies, especially those dealing with exotic pets.

I know some people use Milton (sterilising tablets/solution for baby equipment) to deep clean piggy bowls etc. (Only suitable for non-metal items though, so I wouldn't advise using on a metal-spouted water bottle. Make sure to rinse really well with water afterwards too.) I don't know if this would kill ringworm spores but would be better than nothing.

Again, not sure if it specifically kills the spores which cause ringworm but if you need something in a hurry then I personally think that this Pets at Home cleaner is better than other similar 'high street' cage cleaners because it's antifungal as well as antibacterial/antiviral. It contains Byotrol which is used for cleaning hospitals & vets etc:
http://www.petsathome.com/shop/cage-cleaning-trigger-spray-with-byotrol-500ml-by-pets-at-home-15840

Hope the Vet can help you get the lovely Strudel well soon x

 

[Stiff]

Back from the vets with a diagnosis.

Strudel has a fungal infection in his feet (news to me!) and it might have spread while he was on antibiotics recently.

Very glad it's not serious, but I'm not looking forward to bathing his feet over the next few weeks!

 

[missy]

Glad to hear that the Vet doesn't think it's Ringworm!

Hope you can get it cleared up quickly. Please keep us updated