Applying Microtape (for Ringworm)

[Cronk]

We got a rescue recently who got a pretty nasty case of ringworm above her eye. We're treating the ringworm with a topical the vet gave us, but the problem is she's scratching herself bloody.

I've been reading up on it and it sounds like microtape is a good solution to keep herself from ripping her scalp apart anymore, but I'm a little worried about putting it on.

Any advice on how to apply it? I can't imagine I'm wrapping her whole foot in it... is it applied just to the nails themselves? If it's the whole foot, wouldn't it be painful to have the toes squished together, even if it's not terribly tight?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sport_billy]

Sorry don't have any experience with microtape am tagging @helen105281 as she is quite knowledgeable on skin conditions and may know something

 

[Pebble]

What treatment has been prescribed?

Best is to give an imaverol bath.....it's far more effective than topical human treatments...although topical treatments can possibly "help" after the imaverol bath.

x

Edit: can you please put your location on your sig? - helps us to identify cavy savvy vets in your area. x

 

[helen105281]

Thanks for the tag Lee.

I am sorry your pig has ringworm, as Pebble has said could you let us know what you have been precribed?

I agree with the Imaverol recommendation, it is used as a dip and left on the hair to keep working, if you let us know where you are I will try to provide a link. The active ingredient is Enilconazole. Sometimes oral medication is needed for ringworm too such as Itrafungol (Itraconazole).

I have had a lot of experience with fungal in my own pigs but have never had to tape their feet though I believe it can be effective and that you tape across the nails rather than the foot itself.

Please note that ringworm gets worse before it gets better. Also you need to be really strict with hygiene, changing your clothes after handling, and using anti-fungal disinfectant such as F10 and you can also get F10 handwash and handgel which works well. Also remove all things wooden if you can and wash any bedding on the hottest wash possible.

 

[Cronk]

Thanks for the help all

I have a pretty good vet I'm happy with. He's been in the business for about 25 years, and specializes in exotics. if there's a cavy-specific one in the area that isn't ridiculously pricey i might look into it but i feel pretty comfortable with who we have.

The medication we got is Miconosol. I'll take a look at Imaverol though... I've seen it mentioned elsewhere as well!

Here's a pic of her current state. It's the raw/red area that I'm really concerned about... (can hear her crying when she scratches at it) the rest seems to be progressing as expected:

 

[Cronk]

We'll have to work on the hygiene some more. I've been pretty diligent about washing my hands after handling anything involving her (she's in iso at the moment), but we have 5 other pigs and I'm pretty sure the family is making mistakes like using the same towel to hold the others that I've been using to hold/treat the ringworm'd girl :/

Just one of those things that slipped through the cracks, but I'll talk to them about it and check into the f10 soaps as well (just been using really hot water and soap up til now)

 

[helen105281]

Bless her, it looks sore. Did the vet prescribe any pain relief?

Yes definitely up your hygiene levels as ringworm can spread to the other pigs and humans too.

 

[Cronk]

No, we've been trying to figure out what to do for pain relief. It's definitely gotten a lot worse since she went to see him, but I think the worst of it is from how much she was scratching at it (pretty sure she's only scratching after we apply the meds... she's NOT a fan).

 

[helen105281]

No, we've been trying to figure out what to do for pain relief. It's definitely gotten a lot worse since she went to see him, but I think the worst of it is from how much she was scratching at it (pretty sure she's only scratching after we apply the meds... she's NOT a fan).

It might make her itch. If you can get Imaverol it is a much gentler option and creams can make the skin heat up and become uncomfortable. That said I know people have had success with Miconazole .

The Imaverol can also be applied topically between dips. I would ask your vet about pain relief.

 

[Cronk]

Ok I'll look into it again thanks

Glad to hear the Miconazole has been successful for others!

 

[Cronk]

Quick update: she's doing a LOT better and stopped scratching on her own, which is a good thing since we were having a heck of a time figuring out how to get the tape to work on her little hobbit feet.

Thankfully it's pretty much scabbed over at this point, and she's not putting up nearly the fuss (or crying) when we apply the Miconazole. We looked into the baths, but the vet recommended against it unless she had more than one site since she was already responding to the localized stuff. He also mentioned to keep a close eye on her feet since she's been scratching at the site that has ruptures, so it might spread to the feet which I dunno if I would have been as vigilant with keeping an eye on if he didn't mention it to me... thought it was a nifty tip!

Thanks again for the help all! Every time I think I'm something of an expert on guinea pigs (I spend more time regulating their diet than my own) something new pops up and it's nice to have this place as a resource!