Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects skinny pigs and their caregivers. Here’s everything you need to know to recognize it and protect yourself and your hairless babies from this fungal foe.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, which can affect the skin, hair, and sometimes nails. As our skinny pigs lack protective fur, their exposed and more sensitive skin is more prone to contracting ringworm as the fungi can come into contact with it far easier than in furry guinea pigs. 

How Do They Get it?

• Contact with Infected Animals or Environment: Ringworm is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected skinny pig, as well as through contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding, cages, or grooming tools. This is one of the primary ways hairless guinea pigs contract the infection.

• Stress and Weakened Immune System: Any factors that compromise their overall health and wellbeing can increase their vulnerability to fungal infections.

• Poor Hygiene or Environmental Conditions: Inadequate hygiene practices and dirty living conditions can create an environment where fungi like dermatophytes can flourish. Skinny pigs, with their sensitive skin, are more at risk if they are exposed to these conditions.

• Carrier Animals: Some animals can be carriers of the ringworm fungus without showing any symptoms. These carriers can transmit the fungus to other skinny pigs even if they themselves are not visibly affected. When introducing a new member to your herd, you need to be certain they are clear of ringworm.

• Fomite Transmission: Fomites are inanimate objects or materials that can carry the fungus. For example, if a grooming tool or a piece of bedding used for an infected skinny pig is not properly disinfected, it can transfer the fungus to other pets.

What Are the Symptoms to Watch Out For?

Here are the common symptoms to watch out for:

• Circular Patches: Ringworm typically presents as circular, raised, and scaly patches on the skin. These patches may start small and gradually expand in size.

• Redness and Irritation: The affected skin can appear red, inflamed, and irritated. It may be itchy, causing your skinny pig to scratch or bite at the area.

• Crust or Scaling: The skin may develop crusts or scaling, making it appear rough or flaky.

• Circular Shape: The ringworm lesions often have a distinct circular shape, with a more normal-looking center and a raised, reddened, or scaly outer ring. This appearance is why it's called "ringworm."

• Infection Spread: Ringworm can spread to different parts of your skinny pig's body, so watch for the development of additional lesions.

• Behavioral Changes: Sometimes, skinny pigs with ringworm may become more agitated or irritable due to the discomfort caused by the infection.
• Appetite Changes: Discomfort from ringworm may cause a loss of appetite, but this is unusual.

It's important to note that the symptoms of ringworm can vary from skinny pig to skinny pig. Some may exhibit only mild symptoms, while others may have more severe cases. If you notice any of the above signs or suspect that your skinny pig has ringworm, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian experienced in guinea pig care. They can perform diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of ringworm and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Ringworm

If your skinny pig has contracted ringworm, it's crucial to take prompt and appropriate measures to treat the infection. Here are the steps a Skinny Pig parent can follow to treat ringworm in their pet:

• Isolate the Infected Skinny Pig: To prevent the further spread of ringworm, isolate the infected skinny pig from any other pets in your household. Use a separate cage or enclosure for the affected skinny pig.

• Consult a Veterinarian: Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in skinny pig care. The vet will confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate antifungal treatment, which may include topical creams, ointments, or oral medications.

• Follow Medication Instructions: Administer any prescribed medications as directed by the veterinarian. It's essential to complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms of ringworm appear to have resolved earlier. This ensures that the infection is completely eradicated.

• Environmental Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the skinny pig's cage and accessories. Replace bedding with fresh, clean materials. Use a disinfectant specifically recommended by your veterinarian, as some common cleaning products may be harmful.

• Isolate Contaminated Objects: Remove any items (toys, bedding, grooming tools) that may have come into contact with the infected guinea pig and disinfect or discard them as appropriate. Prevent cross-contamination by keeping these items separate.

• Frequent Cleaning: During the treatment period, the cage should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily to reduce the chances of recontamination.

• Hand Hygiene: After handling the infected skinny pig or cleaning the cage make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. This helps prevent you from accidentally spreading the fungus to other areas or animals.

• Monitor the Affected Skinny Pig: Keep a close eye on your pet's progress. If you notice any worsening of symptoms or if the infection doesn't seem to be improving, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

• Order Your RenewedPet Products: To help them with the healing process and relieve any itching or discomfort they may be feeling, try the RenewedPet healing salve.

• RenewedPet Restorative Shampoo: It is also a great idea to purchase a bottle of RenewedPet’s all natural restorative shampoo to have on hand for your skinny pig, as this shampoo has powerful anti-fungal properties, and can be used at the first sign of trouble. 

Preventing Ringworm

To prevent ringworm in skinny pigs, it's essential to keep their environment clean and dry. Regularly clean their bedding, and ensure that their living space is well-ventilated. You should also quarantine new skinny pigs to check for any signs of infection before introducing them to your existing pets.

In addition, RenewedPet’s Restorative all natural healing shampoo can be used every 2 weeks for bathing as a great preventative remedy to ringworm. 

Human Risks

Yes, humans can potentially contract ringworm from their skinny pig or any other pet that has ringworm. Ringworm is a zoonotic condition, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. 

Here's how you can reduce the risk of contracting ringworm from your skinny pig:

• Practice Good Hygiene: After handling your infected skinny pig thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Consider wearing gloves and long sleeves while handling an infected skinny pig, especially if you have cuts or abrasions on your skin. This can provide an additional layer of protection.

• Avoid Close Contact: Try to minimize close physical contact with your skinny pig if they have ringworm. While it's essential to care for your pet, be mindful of the risk of transmission.

• Keep Living Areas Clean: Ensure your skinny pig's living area is clean and dry. Regularly clean and disinfect the cage and any accessories to minimize the spread of the fungus.

If you suspect that you've contracted ringworm from your skinny pig, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Ringworm in humans typically presents as red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin. Antifungal creams and medications can be prescribed to treat the infection.

While it's possible to contract ringworm from your pet, the risk can be minimized through proper hygiene and care practices. It's important to address any health concerns in your skinny pig promptly and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and other family members.

Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!

~PetCoachApril 

April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H