Ringworm

Guinea pigs can suffer from a variety of skin complaints; one of these being ringworm, however, the infection is not caused by a worm.

Despite its name, ringworm is not a parasitic worm, but is a Microsporum species of fungus. The most common infection of ringworm found in guinea pigs is due to the fungus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes. However, other types caused by Microsporum gyseum and M. canis can also affect guinea pigs.

The first sign that many owners observe, is bald patches, which often start on the head of the guinea pig, around the face, eyes, ears and nose, before spreading to the back of the guinea pig. These bald patches are often circumscribed in appearance and the skin appears crusty, red and flaky. The guinea pig is likely to be itchy and observed to scratch or attempt to self-harm the affected areas.

The fungus is transmitted by direct contact with other animals suffering from the fungus, or by contact with objects that have been near an infected animal, eg bedding, bowls, toys, etc. It is more easily spread in situations where guinea pigs are kept in close proximity, such as pet shops, so baby guinea pigs sold in pet shops are more commonly affected.

Your veterinarian will examine your guinea pig and will ask questions about when you first noticed signs, if the guinea pig is scratching more than normal, if they are eating, drinking and passing urine and feces normally.

Skin disease often needs further diagnostics before a diagnosis can be made. This is because the clinical signs can look similar for a variety of infections and it is important to obtain the correct diagnosis, so the correct treatment can be started.

Your veterinarian will likely take hair plucks from around the affected area. They may also suggest taking skin scrapes. Some types of ringworm will fluoresce under an ultraviolet light. However, not all types do so even if the result is negative, this alone will not rule out ringworm. All of these can usually be performed with the guinea pig conscious and should not be painful.

Itraconazole is often used, which is an oral medication, so is given by mouth. The antifungal medication is not licensed for use on guinea pigs, so you may need to sign an ‘off license’ use form. Other treatments include griseofulvin or topical antifungals. Treatment may need to be given for several weeks, and it is a wise idea to treat all in contact guinea pigs even if they are not showing any current clinical signs.

Your veterinarian may also suggest the use of vitamin and mineral supplements to improve your guinea pig’s health.

Yes. Ringworm is a zoonotic disease, so can be passed on to people from animals. Always wear gloves and wash your hands after handling infected guinea pigs. The young, elderly and those with compromized immune systems are more at risk, and if you notice any signs of ringworm on yourself or members of your family, such as red, itchy, circular lesions on the skin, you should consult your doctor for advice.

The infected guinea pig’s environment will need thoroughly cleaning using a veterinary strength disinfectant. All washable items in the enclosure should be soaked and dried. Bedding should be disposed of. Water bowls, bottles, food bowls and toys should be cleaned, soaked and dried.

Always keep your guinea pig’s environment clean. Make sure the guinea pigs have a high fiber diet with added vitamin C to ensure optimum immune health. Consult your veterinarian at the earliest opportunity if you suspect your guinea pig may have ringworm, so it can be treated quickly.

The vast majority of guinea pigs fully recover from ringworm, when appropriate treatment is administered.