Ringworm Dilemma Advice Needed Please.

[Chief Guinea Pig]

You would need to keep them away from the children for at least 6 weeks and that should include being in a separate air space (so a different room that they don't go in). You would most likely need to start treatment from scratch as Pets at Home vets will not have treated it systemically and most likely only used a cream. This means it will return if not treated properly. They would need Itrafungol from the vets who would charge about £70 a bottle (though it can be found cheaper online with a prescription). The full course would take 6 weeks (on a week on week off basis - it carries on working in the week off) if you were to follow the advice of my vet and the company who make it. Though other vets suggest a shorter duration. The fungal baths and Imaverol dips would need to be done weekly with topical application of Imaverol daily. You would need to wear a change of clothes for handling and clean the cage every day with F10 and change and wash any bedding too at the highest temperature possible.

If you don't take these pigs in they will likely stay in quarantine for a few weeks and will then be placed in the adoption centre with the other affected pigs with a sign saying "I was poorly when I arrived here" or something along those lines.

Agree with Helen and @My3cuteBoys
You do not want to catch ringworm yourself, and the care and precautions are something you do not want to have to do when you get your new piggies. It will be a lot of hassle for you, and most likely will regret your decision if you take them on and you find it too much to cope with.

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Not only the hassle & the possibility of your children catching ringworm, but also the cost, which can run into a hundred pounds or more if you then have to re-treat, purchase the correct stuff etc. I honestly think you need to let your head rule in this case, your children will not enjoy piggies that are possibly nervous of being handled to start with because all they will know is that people picking them up will mean bathing, medication etc. Far better to visit a reputable rescue from our list & let your children find some piggies that will enjoy being cuddled etc. Personally I think a bonded pair of youngish pigs that have been handled (Not necessarily babies) would be a far better option for you

 

[Pebble]

Hazelcroft Rescue in St Albans have bonded pairs of both boys and girls looking for homes atm.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forums/guinea-pigs-looking-for-homes.19/

 

[Linden]

Not only the hassle & the possibility of your children catching ringworm, but also the cost, which can run into a hundred pounds or more if you then have to re-treat, purchase the correct stuff etc. I honestly think you need to let your head rule in this case, your children will not enjoy piggies that are possibly nervous of being handled to start with because all they will know is that people picking them up will mean bathing, medication etc. Far better to visit a reputable rescue from our list & let your children find some piggies that will enjoy being cuddled etc. Personally I think a bonded pair of youngish pigs that have been handled (Not necessarily babies) would be a far better option for you

I have an outbreak of ringworm that I am trying to clear at the moment. Believe me, it's not something you would want to willingly take on.

You don't mention how old your children are, but I think you have to be the parent here and stand firm. No doubt there will be tears and I'm sure you'll feel rotten, but as others have said much better that you find a healthy bonded pair from an alternative source. Once your children have their new furry friends home, they'll soon forgive you.

Hope it all works out for you. Would be interested to know what you finally decide.