Hair Loss- Ringworm Or Urine Scald?

[Pigs rule]

Hello,

About a week ago I noticed a bald patch on my guineapig's rear end. It was about the size of a 2 pence coin. I cleaned it and initially suspected a urine scald as she does like to sit in her own urine. In the weeks leading up to the bald spot appearing, I did have to cut out a clump of hair (in the area of the bald spot) that had been completely covered in white powder (calcium) from her urine. However, the following day, after a trip to the doctors for myself, I was told I had ringworm and was given treatment for it. But it was when the doctor asked if I had any pets with ringworm I instantly thought that the bald patch on my Guinea pig could be ringworm. Once I had looked at the symptoms of ringworm on Guinea Lynx I began to treat it twice a day with Clotrimazole cream but it has not cleared up and it getting worse. I am aware that ringworm tends to get worse before it gets better ( because of the fungal spores) but it has been quite a while now with hardly any improvement. She does not have any other areas of ringworm on her and her cage mates don't have it.

In terms of her symptoms, she has a circular bald patch with areas of white crust on it. Around every other day (and when the area is washed) she gets small 'clumps' of hair that fall out. This hair is all attached together with a kind of thick crusty stuff, that is black/slightly green in colour, at the roots of her hair. She is not in any pain and allows me to touch it and apply the cream very easily. Here are some pictures of her suspected ringworm ( the red lines show the bald spot) :





I think the reason why the ringworm started on her rear end not her face is that she is an alpaca guineapig with extremely curly, dense hair so the air can't circulate to her skin very easily. I know that fungi like damp warm conditions and that is exactly what the conditions are like where the ringworm is. She is out in the fresh air everyday on the grass and their hutch is cleaned daily, making me think that a urine scald is highly unlikely.

However my question is do you think it is ringworm and, if so, what it the most effective way to treat it?

 

[Natwee88]

As someone who is currently going through ringworm/mite infection (more likely ringworm) with my own pigs, I can highly recommend that you take them to the vets. Only the vets can prescribe you something strong enough to treat the infection.
My two girls are currently on injections for possible mites and a medicated shampoo for the possible ringworm. All pigs which have come into contact with the infected pig should also be treated in case they aren't showing signs yet but are carriers.
Members of the forum have also recommended a disinfectant called F10, which can kill the spores of ringworm, for any furnishings.

 

[PiggySmitten]

Yes I agree take your piggy to the vets and ask for itrafungol if they say it is fungal. Combine that with enilconzole baths - you can buy it from hyperdrug online without a prescription- free delivery until end of today with code AUG25. This has always been highly effective for me with our piggies.

 

[Adelle]

Please see your vet for a proper diagnosis before treating as this can make problems worse and more difficult for a vet to diagnose.

All the best x

 

[Wiebke]

Hello,

About a week ago I noticed a bald patch on my guineapig's rear end. It was about the size of a 2 pence coin. I cleaned it and initially suspected a urine scald as she does like to sit in her own urine. In the weeks leading up to the bald spot appearing, I did have to cut out a clump of hair (in the area of the bald spot) that had been completely covered in white powder (calcium) from her urine. However, the following day, after a trip to the doctors for myself, I was told I had ringworm and was given treatment for it. But it was when the doctor asked if I had any pets with ringworm I instantly thought that the bald patch on my Guinea pig could be ringworm. Once I had looked at the symptoms of ringworm on Guinea Lynx I began to treat it twice a day with Clotrimazole cream but it has not cleared up and it getting worse. I am aware that ringworm tends to get worse before it gets better ( because of the fungal spores) but it has been quite a while now with hardly any improvement. She does not have any other areas of ringworm on her and her cage mates don't have it.

In terms of her symptoms, she has a circular bald patch with areas of white crust on it. Around every other day (and when the area is washed) she gets small 'clumps' of hair that fall out. This hair is all attached together with a kind of thick crusty stuff, that is black/slightly green in colour, at the roots of her hair. She is not in any pain and allows me to touch it and apply the cream very easily. Here are some pictures of her suspected ringworm ( the red lines show the bald spot) :

View attachment 51548

View attachment 51549

I think the reason why the ringworm started on her rear end not her face is that she is an alpaca guineapig with extremely curly, dense hair so the air can't circulate to her skin very easily. I know that fungi like damp warm conditions and that is exactly what the conditions are like where the ringworm is. She is out in the fresh air everyday on the grass and their hutch is cleaned daily, making me think that a urine scald is highly unlikely.

However my question is do you think it is ringworm and, if so, what it the most effective way to treat it?

Please see a vet for a proper diagnosis.

There are lots of milder forms of fungal around, especially in warm, humid weather and with piggies with badly areated coats. I would also recommend to cut the hairs on the bum end short during the summer months and to generally give her a haircut during the hottest months, so she is not lugging a heavy skisuit around all the time! That is going to improve the aeration - and the hair will grow back!

Urine scald happens if guinea pigs are constantly sitting in their own pee, either because they are no longer very mobile or very ill or they have a bad UTI or cystitis without their sleeping area being cleaned. In any case, you can't miss the smell of stale urine and the wetness underneath when you pick a piggy up. Prolonged urine scald means loss of hair and skin irritation, but no fungal flakiness/exudations/white powdery surface.

 

[Pigs rule]

Thank you for all your replies.
I will call the vet today to see when their next appointment is!

 

[VickiA]

That it would be best to take your beautiful girl to the vets for a proper diagnosis and the correct treatment. Hope she is soon back to full health.

 

[Pigs rule]

I have just come back from the vets with my piggie. The vet thought it was likely to be fungal but didn't want to prescribe and oral medication for ringworm unless he was certain so he plucked some hair to be tested. If the results are negative for fungi they will come back in 12 days, but if they are positive we will know in about a week or less. In the mean time we have some Hibiscrub to clean the affected area and keep it clean. We have to dilute the Hibiscrub to make the solution of one part Hibiscrub to ten parts water.