Treating ringworm/Itrafungol!

[Muscy Mel]

Hi everyone I'm new here and haven't posted before. Someone recommended this forum to me as i need some advice about my 3 little piggies that most likely have ringworm. Firstly, hi, my name is Mel and i brought our 3 little pigs just over 2 weeks ago. They're now about 10 weeks old and their names are Squeak (obviously because he's the noisiest, lol), Nibbles (who's living up to his name as today he gave me a little nibble/bite), and lastly there's Fluffy... I don't think i need to explain why, lol. They're brothers and sadly came from less than desirable conditions...

Overall, they had a good sized run, but it obviously hasn't been cleaned out for a while. They were fed on a moist muesli food, and clearly weren't handled well at all. The lady who caught them so we could have a look grabbed at them like she was chasing after money blowing away in the wind, and was squeezing their little tummies once she'd got hold of them! It was so upsetting to watch i had to turn away!

Two of the piggies clearly had a skin problem (at first i suspected mites) but the lady tried her hardest to convince us that the areas were bites from their mum (her way of telling them to leave the nest sort of thing), however neither me or my husband were convinced. I asked/checked repeatedly that it wasn't anything contagious but she said that it definitely wasn't. She then gave me a tube of Wilkos anti-fungal cream which she said should help to clear whatever it was up (hindsight is a wonderful thing, hey! I suspect she knew all along what it was)...

We took the guinea pigs home, because after seeing how badly they were handled i couldn't have left them there, skin problems and all! To cut a long story shorter, i took them to the vets twice over the next week after doing some research online and discovered that it was most likely ringworm causing the skin problems. The vets agreed and i was advised to treat them all with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream. (I'm also treating them for mites with Ivermectin spot-on). I used Canasten cream for about 2 weeks and although they looked better, they weren't progressing any further. The crustiness and wounds from scratching had cleared up, but they still had flakey skin and bald patches, Squeak in particular was getting worse around his face, poor thing. Yesterday i managed to get in at the vets again, this time with their small animal specialist. She was very helpful and seemed knowledgeable, and after checking them over, agreed that it was still most likely ringworm, however as the cream hadn't helped to completely clear it up she advised me to stop using it. I'd also tried Nizoral shampoo, but again the vet said to stop using it. She prescribed me some Itrafungol (52ml) which i need to give them once a day for 7 days, and then have 7 days without it, and so on... She said there are different types of ringworm and this should hopefully sort out the problem. She also done a hair/skin culture, and carefully took some hairs from Squeak, from 3 different parts of his body. We should get the results in 10 days, and then we'll know for sure what we're dealing with!

Just to add, i have also contacted the lady who we brought the piggies from, as she has other guinea pigs and animals there, to inform her that it is ringworm so she can monitor and check her animals. She tried to act shocked but it was so fake, and she didn't offer any support to our piggies that we'd brought from her... not that i'm surprised!

I can't seem to find much information about Itrafungol online, especially for guinea pigs so i was wondering have you guys had much success with it please? I'm desperate to get this sorted, my poor piggies have been through enough! Not only that, but the house is on lock down! I have 2 small children, and lots of other pets so don't want this spreading!
If any of you have advice, or experience with ringworm and Itrafungol I'd really appreciate the help. Thanks, Mel x

P.S - Sorry for the long post!

 

[sport_billy]

Hello, welcome to the forum

Sorry you are going through a ringworm nightmare.

We have a very well researched guide on Ringworm and fungal here Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

Itrafungal is an excellent choice of drug to try and rid your little ones of this.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone I'm new here and haven't posted before. Someone recommended this forum to me as i need some advice about my 3 little piggies that most likely have ringworm. Firstly, hi, my name is Mel and i brought our 3 little pigs just over 2 weeks ago. They're now about 10 weeks old and their names are Squeak (obviously because he's the noisiest, lol), Nibbles (who's living up to his name as today he gave me a little nibble/bite), and lastly there's Fluffy... I don't think i need to explain why, lol. They're brothers and sadly came from less than desirable conditions...

Overall, they had a good sized run, but it obviously hasn't been cleaned out for a while. They were fed on a moist muesli food, and clearly weren't handled well at all. The lady who caught them so we could have a look grabbed at them like she was chasing after money blowing away in the wind, and was squeezing their little tummies once she'd got hold of them! It was so upsetting to watch i had to turn away!

Two of the piggies clearly had a skin problem (at first i suspected mites) but the lady tried her hardest to convince us that the areas were bites from their mum (her way of telling them to leave the nest sort of thing), however neither me or my husband were convinced. I asked/checked repeatedly that it wasn't anything contagious but she said that it definitely wasn't. She then gave me a tube of Wilkos anti-fungal cream which she said should help to clear whatever it was up (hindsight is a wonderful thing, hey! I suspect she knew all along what it was)...

We took the guinea pigs home, because after seeing how badly they were handled i couldn't have left them there, skin problems and all! To cut a long story shorter, i took them to the vets twice over the next week after doing some research online and discovered that it was most likely ringworm causing the skin problems. The vets agreed and i was advised to treat them all with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream. (I'm also treating them for mites with Ivermectin spot-on). I used Canasten cream for about 2 weeks and although they looked better, they weren't progressing any further. The crustiness and wounds from scratching had cleared up, but they still had flakey skin and bald patches, Squeak in particular was getting worse around his face, poor thing. Yesterday i managed to get in at the vets again, this time with their small animal specialist. She was very helpful and seemed knowledgeable, and after checking them over, agreed that it was still most likely ringworm, however as the cream hadn't helped to completely clear it up she advised me to stop using it. I'd also tried Nizoral shampoo, but again the vet said to stop using it. She prescribed me some Itrafungol (52ml) which i need to give them once a day for 7 days, and then have 7 days without it, and so on... She said there are different types of ringworm and this should hopefully sort out the problem. She also done a hair/skin culture, and carefully took some hairs from Squeak, from 3 different parts of his body. We should get the results in 10 days, and then we'll know for sure what we're dealing with!

Just to add, i have also contacted the lady who we brought the piggies from, as she has other guinea pigs and animals there, to inform her that it is ringworm so she can monitor and check her animals. She tried to act shocked but it was so fake, and she didn't offer any support to our piggies that we'd brought from her... not that i'm surprised!

I can't seem to find much information about Itrafungol online, especially for guinea pigs so i was wondering have you guys had much success with it please? I'm desperate to get this sorted, my poor piggies have been through enough! Not only that, but the house is on lock down! I have 2 small children, and lots of other pets so don't want this spreading!
If any of you have advice, or experience with ringworm and Itrafungol I'd really appreciate the help. Thanks, Mel x

P.S - Sorry for the long post!

Hi! Itrafungol is prescription only; you need to see a preferably piggy savvy vet for it and for the appropriate diagnosis.

Itrafungol is an oral systemic cat medication that is not cheap, but has been increasingly and successfully used on guinea pigs in just over the last half decade; the corresponding US medication that has come into use as of this year is ketaconazole.
It is in my own experience well worth the expense as it is the least stressful and most effective and efficient way to treat fungal infections - it is getting to all the places without causing reactions in sensitive organs.
You need to give only 1-2 baths to make sure that there are no spores left sitting in the coats that could cause a new outbreak, but strict hygiene and deep cleaning with a vet strength disinfectant like F10 is key to get on top of it once and for all.

Please take the time to carefully read our ringworm guide. The tips in there have all been learned the hard way; that is why they really work! Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

I have managed to contain the last ringworm outbreak last October in a room with 30 piggies to just the affected guinea pig (a surrender case due to badly advanced ringworm from wrongly applied fungal home treatment) thanks to implementing the tips in my own guide promptly and carefully.

I would also recommend that you give yourself a full body wash with nizoral or another anti-dandruff shampoo to minimise the risk of an outbreak in yourself and that you use disposable gloves and a long arm old t-shirt that you can wash at higher temperatures and throw away afterwards for the care.

Please be aware that your three little brothers may not get on quite as well once they hit the teenage months. It would be good if you planned for that case once you are through the ringworm. Also please take case that they are OK in hot weather; their immune system is still under construction.
Hot weather management and heat strokes

Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

Backyard breeders are by far the worst when it comes to fobbing off avoidable untreated illness! You can report her anonymously to the RSPCA, and if she is selling pups also complain to your local council over trading standards once you have your vet diagnosis. Sadly anybody can call themselves a breeder (or a rescue) without licence or supervision. That is the reason why we have got a rescue locator with good standard rescues that we can guarantee you and any guinea pigs are in safe and knowledgable hands at all times (including any necessary vet care).

 

[Muscy Mel]

Thanks for the replies so far I'll check out the link that you've given me. I am trying my hardest to prevent spreading it further. I wear gloves and disinfect everything regularly. And i agree that using Nizoral on myself is a good idea, thank you. What signs would indicate infection on a person please? I have considered phoning the RSPCA, but the animals all had food, water and shelter, is there much that they can do in this sort of situation? The Council is a good idea too, i'll ring them both tomorrow. Fingers crossed that they can help. xx

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks for the replies so far I'll check out the link that you've given me. I am trying my hardest to prevent spreading it further. I wear gloves and disinfect everything regularly. And i agree that using Nizoral on myself is a good idea, thank you. What signs would indicate infection on a person please? I have considered phoning the RSPCA, but the animals all had food, water and shelter, is there much that they can do in this sort of situation? The Council is a good idea too, i'll ring them both tomorrow. Fingers crossed that they can help. xx

It is unlikely that you will get much help from the council, but complaining about having knowingly been sold diseased and highly infectious animals (especially to small children) can help; but you will need the documented vet diagnosis for that so you can back up your claim.

There is a NHS link with information on human ringworm (tinea) included in the guide.

Please use a vet strength antifungal and not just antibacterial disinfectant like F10 - it is the best investment you can make! The commonly available brands are only antibacterial; in view that ringworm spores can stay live for up to 18 months; they are invisible and get into cracks... F10 is widely available online, including amazon and ebay.

 

[Muscy Mel]

Thank you, when we get the results back from the culture I'll request written proof of ringworm from the vet, hopefully that'll help, if needed. The disinfectant that I'm using is called Deep Clean and it states on the back that it kills ringworm, along with other things like E.coli. I brought it from Pets At Home, is that ok to use or would you still recommend F10/Virkon?

Can anyone tell me please, how soon could i expect to see positive results from the Itrafungol? When will the flakey skin disappear and new hair growth start? I know it's been only 2 days so i'm not expecting much yet (although their skin doesn't look no where near as red or angry on the affected areas, but maybe that's a coincidence?) Apologies if i missed that in the link/guide. xx

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, when we get the results back from the culture I'll request written proof of ringworm from the vet, hopefully that'll help, if needed. The disinfectant that I'm using is called Deep Clean and it states on the back that it kills ringworm, along with other things like E.coli. I brought it from Pets At Home, is that ok to use or would you still recommend F10/Virkon?

Can anyone tell me please, how soon could i expect to see positive results from the Itrafungol? When will the flakey skin disappear and new hair growth start? I know it's been only 2 days so i'm not expecting much yet (although their skin doesn't look no where near as red or angry on the affected areas, but maybe that's a coincidence?) Apologies if i missed that in the link/guide. xx

I would still recommend F10, which is the only one proven to not only kill ringworm but also ringworm spores - and we can confidently say from our experience that it is really doing the job.
Considering that p@h currently still have a massive ringworm problem in some of their branches (we tend to inevitably see the sorry results on here), I wouldn't personally bet on Deep Clean!

 

[VickiA]

I would still recommend F10, which is the only one proven to not only kill ringworm but also ringworm spores - and we can confidently say from our experience that it is really doing the job.
Considering that p@h currently still have a massive ringworm problem in some of their branches (we tend to inevitably see the sorry results on here), I wouldn't personally bet on Deep Clean!

F10has never let any of our members down. It’s amazing and not very expensive really. My vets recommend it and also sell it.

 

[Lady Kelly]

I agree re F10. I buy it concentrate on Amazon for around £16 and mix it in a spray bottle. It last a fair while and I haven't had recurrence yet *touch wood*. Donald had itrafungol after a persistent bout of ringworm that other treatments didn't help. He kept some dry looking skin on his ears for a few months but the hair in the bald areas grew back fairly quickly

 

[Wiebke]

I have the concentrate as well; it goes quite a distance and good value for money. I use the highest recommended concentration for acute ringworm and half-strength for the cage and piggy room deep cleans.

 

[Muscy Mel]

Ah ok, thank you. I'll order some F10 then, just to be on the safe side. I've found F10 100ml concentrated solution... Will that be enough for now do you think? How do you prepare it to use in a spray bottle please? xx

 

[Flutterby]

Hello Mel! It was me that pointed you in the direction of the forum (I'm Ruth). Nice to see you here! Can't add to the great advice already given but sending healing vibes!

 

[Muscy Mel]

Ah, hi Ruth! Thanks again for recommending this forum. Everyone has been so helpful. The piggies are doing well thanks. Their skin is still flakey in the affected areas but it doesn't look as red/angry, and they seem more active, they've been jumping about and eating like horses, lol. Am i right in thinking that guinea pigs jumping about is called popcorning? They sort of flick their heads about and then hop/jump! It seems very similar to when my bunnies binky. xx

 

[Claire W]

Ah, hi Ruth! Thanks again for recommending this forum. Everyone has been so helpful. The piggies are doing well thanks. Their skin is still flakey in the affected areas but it doesn't look as red/angry, and they seem more active, they've been jumping about and eating like horses, lol. Am i right in thinking that guinea pigs jumping about is called popcorning? They sort of flick their heads about and then hop/jump! It seems very similar to when my bunnies binky. xx

Yes, that’s popcorning so cute to watch

 

[Flutterby]

Fantastic to hear Mel!

 

[Muscy Mel]

Glad to hear that's all normal then, to be honest i thought they were having a fit when i first saw it, once my initial panic settled it was lovely to watch! xx

 

[Muscy Mel]

Hmm.. I've just done their nightly clean out / feed, and checked them all over. Their skin is looking quite red again, which i thought had settled. On a positive note, their not looking as flakey, for now at least. I know they've only had 3 doses of the Itrafungol so i'm hoping that it just needs more time. xx

 

[Muscy Mel]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to post an update to see if you all think things are going in the right direction. Today will be their 7th day of Itrafungol. In some ways things are looking up, there are signs of new hair growth on a few of the ringworm areas and overall their skin is much less red/angry looking. They're all eating well and seem like happy little pigs. However, all of the ringworm patches, including their ears, are still very flakey and dry looking! There hasn't been any new wounds either thankfully and i think they're scratching less. Does this sound like normal progress please? I should hopefully get the culture results at the end of the week too. Does Itrafungol still stay in their systems during the 7 days off please? Any thoughts/advice are greatly appreciated, thanks. xx

 

[helen105281]

Yes it does stay in their systems during the week off. I think it does sound like normal progress but I have not had a pig with Ringworm myself so wait for someone who has to comment too.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to post an update to see if you all think things are going in the right direction. Today will be their 7th day of Itrafungol. In some ways things are looking up, there are signs of new hair growth on a few of the ringworm areas and overall their skin is much less red/angry looking. They're all eating well and seem like happy little pigs. However, all of the ringworm patches, including their ears, are still very flakey and dry looking! There hasn't been any new wounds either thankfully and i think they're scratching less. Does this sound like normal progress please? I should hopefully get the culture results at the end of the week too. Does Itrafungol still stay in their systems during the 7 days off please? Any thoughts/advice are greatly appreciated, thanks. xx

It sounds like the itrafungol is working; just keep going. The itrafungol is staying in the system. The ears can be difficult to clear as I know myself. Once you have an acute infection, it has to run its due course with each patch. Ringworm always heals and hairs grow out in the order the ringworm has made an appearance.

If it is an advanced infection (which is what you are dealing with) or a guinea pig has an underlying issue, then it takes longer to clear. You should see at this stage what you are seeing - a healing off of the oldest spots, the middling spots calming down, the newest and most difficult spots to clear taking longest. But as importantly, now new outbreaks coming up!

Hang on in there; you'll get there!

I am merging this with your old thread to keep the whole case together.
You can set your own notification alerts via the 'watch' button at the start of your thread.

 

[Flutterby]

Sounds like they are moving in the right direction!

 

[Muscy Mel]

Thanks Wiebke. It's good to know that it sounds positive overall. Their ears are definitely flakey, and Squeaks face (around his eyes and the base of his ears) is still flakey with no signs of new hair growth yet, but it has only been a week of Itrafungol treatment so as you say we'll definitely hang in there. I just want this to be over, i'm so scared of it spreading to my children or our other pets. I know this may be hard to answer, but how long does it usually take acute cases to clear up please? Are we talking weeks or months here? xx

 

[Muscy Mel]

Oh i forgot to say thanks Wiebke for merging my threads, as you say it'll keep everything together xx

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks Wiebke. It's good to know that it sounds positive overall. Their ears are definitely flakey, and Squeaks face (around his eyes and the base of his ears) is still flakey with no signs of new hair growth yet, but it has only been a week of Itrafungol treatment so as you say we'll definitely hang in there. I just want this to be over, i'm so scared of it spreading to my children or our other pets. I know this may be hard to answer, but how long does it usually take acute cases to clear up please? Are we talking weeks or months here? xx

Take courage! You have made a good start. A ringworm outbreak usually takes 4-6 weeks from start to the time the hair is starting to grow back in a healed area, and that usually includes the 2 weeks post-treatment quarantine.

I've been through it myself with my latest ringworm outbreak last October/November. With determination and strict hygiene I could confine it to the one single guinea pig in a room of 30 piggies at the time, which are all living in adjoining pens and time-share their roaming space; it was fully sorted with just over a month.

Barri did stay together with his wife (who I made sure that she would not come down with it) in a spare hospital cage in the hall during treatment and quarantine; I used the old ringworm fleeces, towels and cosies that I keep in the attic after washing them at 90 C at the end so they are totally safe. Thankfully, I could keep it to the one infected patch of his. I also made sure that Barri and Briallen had a nizoral bath at the beginning of their quaranting period (for you with only two piggies that is just a two week observation period with as little hands-on contact) to wash out any spores of their coats, which the sanctuary had missed doing before he came here; hence the new outbreak. (They are not going to make that oversight again!)

I had to deep clean the whole piggy room; move all piggies out, wash their bedding at 60 C, dismantle and disinfect over 100 grids and all the connectors, deep clean the floor and then put it all back again... But it was worth it; I haven't had any more ringworm since and Barri has been perfectly fine since . He ended up as a vet referral to a sanctuary because he had such an advanced case of ringworm due to inappropriate home care by his own that the first vet who finally saw him wanted to pts/euthanise straight away!
He is the black piggy with the ringworm patch on his back in the ringworm care guide. You will find the pictures in there hopefully helpful.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

I hope that that gives you hope? Make sure that you are careful with your own clothing while treating and you will hopefully get through it well, and once and for all. Then you have the bragging rights!

 

[Muscy Mel]

Thanks that's very helpful. Sounds as though you managed your situation very well. I've actually moved our piggies from the house (they were kept in a different room from my other small animals) into the shed (don't worry it's nice and cool in there). It's the only way i can guarantee that my 2 year old won't get to the piggies. Plus it'll hopefully keep the house free from any potential new spores. I was told by the vet not to use Nizoral whilst they're having the Itrafungol. But i was planning on bathing them weekly to remove spores/dead skin to help prevent a second outbreak. Should i use a mild shampoo, plain water or is it safe to use Nizoral please? xx

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks that's very helpful. Sounds as though you managed your situation very well. I've actually moved our piggies from the house (they were kept in a different room from my other small animals) into the shed (don't worry it's nice and cool in there). It's the only way i can guarantee that my 2 year old won't get to the piggies. Plus it'll hopefully keep the house free from any potential new spores. I was told by the vet not to use Nizoral whilst they're having the Itrafungol. But i was planning on bathing them weekly to remove spores/dead skin to help prevent a second outbreak. Should i use a mild shampoo, plain water or is it safe to use Nizoral please? xx

I've had practice and have discovered many of the tips on how to best avoid reinfection in the guide the hard way over the years.

Use the nizoral within a few days after you are finished for good with the itrafungol; just to make sure that there are no spores still sitting in the coat. I had two outbreaks because of that!
With the itrafungol you do not need to bathe or do anything directly to the skin, as any scabs and exudations will come off on their own. Not having to bathe more than once is the great advantage of itrafungol as the bathing and dipping is very stressful for piggies, especially new ones. The itrafungol in the body will prevent any re-infections during the ongoing treatment - and that includes the week off in between.

Please always bathe in a bowl sitting on a towel on the floor, ideally in a shower or a bathtub so a piggy cannot injure itself badly by blind jumping and cannot run away either - but somewhere that is comparatively easy to clean afterwards.

Good idea to use the shed well away from your little one!

 

[Lady Kelly]

I had a persistent case of ringworm with Donald at the start of the year and thought it was never going to go away. What I did notice after a 1 week on 1 week off cycle 3 times was his ears where very dry and they remained that way for some time.

 

[Muscy Mel]

Thanks Wiebke, I'll do a Nizoral shampoo at the end of treatment just to be on the safe side.

Lady Kelly, maybe that is what's going on with my piggies too. Their ears are the most flakey parts of them now, all of the other areas are starting to look better. Did you do anything for the flakey ears, like lotions or creams to sooth them? Or did you just leave them be please? xx

 

[Wiebke]

I had a persistent case of ringworm with Donald at the start of the year and thought it was never going to go away. What I did notice after a 1 week on 1 week off cycle 3 times was his ears where very dry and they remained that way for some time.

The only time I was precribed the on-off cycle instead of giving it steadily for as long as need (usually about 1-2 weeks) it was for Ceri, who was suffering from an irregular heartbeat at the time and had a lowered immune system; that was back in January 2012. By the time we trialled itrafungol for he first time the ringworm had already reached the ear, so I cannot contribute on that.

But we have recently seen several posts on crusty ears at the end of systemic ringworm treatment on here as it is becoming more wide spread. Since the ears are such a sensitive area, it could well be a side effect.

 

[Muscy Mel]

I have read online that people seem to use Itrafungol in two ways: 1 week on and then one week off, for 6 weeks in total.... Or everyday for 2 weeks or so. My boys are young, about 12 weeks old now, so maybe that's why my vet advised to do it over a longer time period, maybe?

I'll leave the ears for now, it doesn't seem to be bothering them at all, so i don't want to do anything that could make things worse.

One last question (for now, lol). When i bath them in Nizoral at the end of treatment, should i just do one bath, or bath them every few days as instructed on the bottle please? xx