Hello,
What a lot of useful info there is on the forums. I bought 2 long haired pigs from a breeder a month ago. Took them to vet as one had bald patch on nose and both had dry scabby patches. No mites but plate test positive for ringworm. Bald patch got better but just noticed another on her ear. I sprayed Daktarin on it as had some. Going to bath them in imaverol tomorrow. Really disappointed I was sold pigs with this condition as don't want it spreading to daughter or cat.
Hi and welcome
Ringworm spores are tough to get rid off. Most backyard breeders out for a quick buck can't bothered and pet shops struggle with the discipline and strict hygiene necessary.
Please invest in some F10 disinfectant; it is the only vet grade disinfectant that is proven to not only kill fungal (which normal antibacterial disinfectants won't) but also the long lived tiny ringworm spores. it also comes as a hand gel.
If you have touched and handled your ringworm guinea pigs, with bare hands and skin, I would strongly recommend to give yourself a full body shower with nizoral shampoo (fungicidal dandruff shampoo); this will hopefully prevent you from coming down with it. The shampoo is quite harsh on the skin, so you will have to enquire whether it is suitable for children's skin.
You should find our step-by-step and very detailed ringworm hygiene guide helpful. We have found all the ways you can infect and re-infect the hard way; that is why our tips work when it comes to getting on top if once and for all! It is a pain to cover all angles, but it is a pain that is well worth it!
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures
Please be careful with the imaverol that is doesn't get into eyes and into the ears. Use cotton buds or a syringe around very delicate areas, especially when you have acute patches right next to them. Also be aware that an acute patch has to run its course; it will get worse before it gets better.
Here is our new owners guide collection. You will hopefully find it helpful. We are addressing all he areas in detail we get the most questions from new owners about.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
For bathing tips please look at our boar care guide. Our bathing guide is in dire need of updating; some practices are no longer considered safe, like using a sink instead of placing a bowl on a towel on the floor (ideally a bathtub or a shower, so your piggies cannot escape, but also cannot harm themselves if they freak out and blind jump).
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
PS: If you want to have a problem-free start to owning guinea pigs, then by far the safest place is actually one of our recommended good standard rescues that only rehome fully quarantined healthy piggies that are guaranteed properly sexed, not pregnant and personality matched for a stable long term bond. They may be a bit more effort, but in my own experience, I rather wait, travel and pay a bit more for the luxury of having perfect peace of mind... and having the rescue being there for the whole life time of an adopted pet if there are major problems along the way.
This goes for any pet species - always look for a reputable rescue with a mandatoy full quarantine, vet treatment, handling/rehabilitating etc.
PS2: Here is our sexing guide. Please always double check upon arrival! Mis-sexing is still very common.
Sexing Guide
