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My guinea pig has a bare spot. How long for ringworm or vet visit?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male

I bought my guinea pig three weeks ago today. Last week I noticed a bare spot near his eye. Everything I've read leads to ringworm. I called the store where I purchased him and was told to put OTC cream on the site. I started that last Friday. My question is how long before it shows signs of improvement? Or should I bring him before my 30 day health policy is up? He is a class pet so returning him is not a plan, although the clerk I spoke with told me I could get a refund :(

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2018

First of all, ringworm is highly contagious. If this is a classroom pet I strongly suggest you don't let any children handle Clover until this has cleared up. Ringworm can take months to completely clear but I would say the average is ~4-6 weeks.

Number two, you need to be careful putting medications near an eye. Most topical medications are toxic to ocular tissues. If the medication gets in the eye you will end up with a worse problem.

Ringworm is not deadly so I don't think you need to return him but you should consider getting him to a vet for an actual diagnosis. Right now you are just guessing that it is ringworm and while that is the most likely diagnosis it is not the only possibility.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
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