Ringworm is a common problem in guinea pigs.It can cause pain for your pet and can spread to humans.Ringworm can usually be successfully treated with medication.If you suspect your pig has a ringworm, you need to get a diagnosis from a vet.To nurse your guinea pig back to health, follow the care regimen from there.
Step 1: The symptoms should be identified.
The first sign of ringworm is bald patches.The fur falls out when the hair follicle is weakened by the fungus.There are red patches around the eyes, ears, and nose when there are bald patches.
Step 2: There is a vet who can treat pigs.
guinea pigs are sometimes considered exotic animals and not all vets treat them.If you don't already have a vet, look online or in the local yellow pages to find one with experience treating guinea pigs.Asking for a recommendation from other guinea pig owners is a good idea.
Step 3: Your vet can diagnose the condition.
Ringworm can be diagnosed by taking a skin sample for analysis.If your vet is certain that the bald patches are caused by ringworm, you can start treatment immediately.
Step 4: Talk to your vet about a treatment plan.
The ringworm is treated with medication.It takes between five and six weeks to be administered.Make sure you talk to your vet about the recommended dosages.If your guinea pig has a lot of bald patches, your vet may prescribe creams to be applied.
Step 5: Discuss the amount of the payment.
It's a good idea to know how much treatment will cost.Ask if you need to pay upfront or in installments.Some vets will allow owners to make payments over time.
Step 6: Medicating your pig is important.
If your vet prescribes an antifungal medication, give it at the correct times and dosages.The medication is usually administered by mouth.Liquid medications can be given via a needle.To get the medication out, you need to hold up the guinea pig's head, put the tip of the needle behind its front teeth, and squeeze it out.It's easy to crush up the pills and mix them into a small amount of food.It's a good idea to make sure your guinea pig eats all the food with its pills.
Step 7: Increase your pig's intake of vitamins C and C.
It is possible for your guinea pig to fight off ringworm with the help of vitamins C and E.Adding a supplement to its water or feeding it vegetables high in vitamins C and D is the best way to give your guinea pig the vitamins it needs.The effectiveness of your guinea pig pellets may be lost after the bag is opened.
Step 8: Bald patches should be treated.
A lot of skin irritation can be caused by bald patches.It is possible for your vet to give you an antibiotic to rub into your pig's skin.Talk to your vet about how much to use and how to apply it.Unless your vet prescribes it, never use an antifungal cream.
Step 9: There are pigs with infections.
You should get a separate cage for your pig if you have more than one.You don't want the ringworm to spread because it is highly contagious.After you separated your pigs, clean the cage.It is important to keep your guinea pig's cage clean.As a wet environment breeds ringworm, clean up spills and urine immediately.
Step 10: Protect your body from ringworm.
It's important to take precautions to protect yourself from ringworm.Gloves are used to handle anything in the guinea pig's cage.After holding your pig, wash your hands.Don't hold your pig too close to your mouth or kiss it.
Step 11: The cage needs to be cleaned.
Keeping your guinea pig's cage clean will keep ringworms at bay.It is a good idea to clean your guinea pig's cage once a week.You can wash the inside of the cage with soap and water and replace things like beddings and chips.
Step 12: The environment must be kept dry.
A dry environment can be maintained with a thorough weekly cleaning and routine tidying.Ringworms thrive in moist environments.If you see patches of urine and water spills, remove the chips or bedding.
Step 13: Take care of toys and equipment.
After cleaning your guinea pig's cage, spray it with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.This helps minimize exposure to ringworm.After applying the solution, rinse it thoroughly.
Step 14: The guinea pig needs to be kept out of harms way until the disease passes.
The treatment usually lasts seven to 10 days.Make a follow-up appointment with your vet after 10 days to make sure your guinea pig is free of ringworm.If your guinea pig is healthy, you can put it back in the cage with your other pigs.