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My indoor guinea pig has bald spots. Could it be ringworm, and how?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can INDOOR guinea pigs get ringworm? How?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on January 7th, 2018

Hi there! As ringworm is a fungus, they can contract it from other guinea pigs, from humans, or from contaminated objects, such as bedding. Symptoms of ringworm in guinea pigs are usually bald spots around the ears, neck, and face that can spread along the rest of the body. They can also have crusty, flaky lesions in the middle. If you suspect that your guinea pig has ringworm, I strongly suggest taking preventative measures when handling him or her - good handwashing is essential as ringworm can be transmitted to humans. A visit to the vet is also in order - they will likely take a small sample of your GP's hair to culture for the fungus. They may also use a type of black light called a Woods lamp to examine his or her skin as the ringworm fungus usually fluoresces. If your GP does have ringworm, the vet will likely prescribe a topical or oral antifungal, or a combination of the two. There are other skin conditions that can cause bald spots as well, such as mites, that the vet can also check for. Good luck, and I hope that your piggy gets well soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 21st, 2021
Hello! this is most likely a ringworm infection (fungal infection), but there are other possibility such as an upper respiratory infection or a mite infestation. i recommend taking him to your vet tomorrow in order to get it checked and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 24th, 2018
I would take the guinea pig back to the store as ringworm does not develop within 24 or 48 hours. Ringworm is contagious to people and other animals. Please make sure you wash your hands after handling the guinea pig. I would not get another guinea pig from the same pen as most likely they all are infected.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on August 16th, 2020
Thanks for reaching out about Bat boi and including photos. These lesions both appear to be fungal lesions (ringworm) and a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. If correct, this fungal infection can be potentially transmitted to humans, so if you or your family develop dermal lesions, you need to see your doctor.
Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My guinea pig has a bald spot on his rear. What does it mean?

Hello, Thanks for sending good pictures! I have a couple of suspicions about what is going on with Reeses' skin. Ringworm, which is a type of skin fungus, is very common in guinea pigs. Testing for this involves taking a hair sample from the area for something called a DTM culture test. This infection can spread very quickly over the entire pig's body and also spread to people. Mites are a type of skin parasite that can also affect guinea pigs and cause hair loss. They cause severe itchiness that can sometimes lead to seizures. This is generally tested for with looking at a scrape of the skin under the microscope. Both of these ailments generally require a course of topical and/or oral medications, along with regular cleaning of his environment during the treatment period to prevent re-infection. I would recommend taking Reeses into a veterinarian that's familiar with guinea pigs and having the area examined to determine the best course of diagnostics and treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I hope this is helpful!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach! This looks like a ringworm lesion to me. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1800&aid=2494 You can try using a topical anti-fungal medication like Clotrimazole to see if it helps. Apply a thin layer to the lesion twice a day. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Antifungal-1-Clotrimazole-USP-Cream-1-oz-tube/950932820 Remember two important things: 1. It can take weeks to months for ringworm to resolve. If you are not making much progress with the cream after a couple weeks I would take her to the vet. They can give you an oral medication to use that may be more effective. 2. Ringworm can be contagious to people so wash your hands thoroughly after handling her. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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My guinea pig has a quarter-sized bald spot and a scab. What is it?

Hello, without seeing at least a photo is hard for me to say too much. My first thought based on your description is that Nugget may have ringworm. Mites are also possible but ringworm is more common. Of course he could have an injury from one of the other pigs. All are possibilities. I suggest you just monitor him for now and if there is no significant change in the size of the lesion (in about a week to 10 days) then I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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My guinea pig has hair loss, dandruff, and sore skin. Ivermectin didn't work.

Guinea pigs often get ringworm, so I would encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian and discuss testing and possibly treating for ringworm. In the meantime please practice good hygiene after handling him as human can be infected with ringworm too. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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Fungal infections can take weeks to months to resolve. Ideally, Obey should be physically examined by your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis. An e-collar (cone) should be placed on him to prevent scratching.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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