FUNGUS OR RINGWORM DEFINED -Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that attacks the
skin and causes dryness, scaliness, and fur loss. In medical terms is referred to as tinea or dermatophytosis. The name ringworm is somewhat misleading. It is not caused by a parasite, but a fungal infection of the skin or hair/fur follicles that typically causes a ring-shaped rash (hence the name). Not only is it highly contagious but also zoonotic, it can be passed between humans and animals, as well as being spread between different species of animals. There are many different strains, the most common in chinchillas is thought to be Trichophyton Mentagrophytes.
SYMPTOMS - Initial symptoms are very subtle and can easily be missed if you do not
know what you are looking for or if you have several animals. It typically starts with a very small missing patch of fur often times, on the end of the nose. If untreated it gradually spreads to around the eyes and mouth and sometimes is found on the base of the tail, and can spread all over the body if left untreated. It can even have scabs in severely untreated cases.
The animal has fungus prior to the fur falling out but it is not detected until round hairless
spots with red or crusty skin manifests. Fungus is sometimes mistaken for fur chew to the inexperienced owner. Fur chew is when an animal bites off the end of it’s own fur or it’s cage mates fur, as in the photos below, left. Fur chewing can be a small spot or the animal can literally “shear” the fur on the entire part of the body it can reach with its mouth. Fur chewing in covered in another bulletin.
Fur fungus is not life threatening to the chinchilla but as it progresses the bald patches can extend over the body and sores form which can become infected in extreme cases.
Fungus in general is typically itchy, which is likely true in chinchillas.
ELIMINATING FUNGUS FROM YOUR HERD. Fungus is highly contagious and can spread from animal to animal,, even to you and potentially other pets as well.. Therefore, controlling it is essential. Fungus thrives in damp, warm, humid conditions. It can live dormant n the wood that makes up your cage or the wooden ledges. Fungus is not caused by poor husbandry or conditions, and impeccably clean husbandry will not prevent animals from becoming infected. The chinchillas become infected by being in contact with the spores which can be present in a huge variety of places, including in nature. Treatment should begin at the first sign of fungus otherwise it can spread quickly and become much more difficult to control.
QUARANTINE - Animals with fungus should be quarantined from other animals as much as possible, unless it lives with a cage mate. In that case both animals sharing cage space should be treated. Animals with fungus, or being treated for fungus should not be taken to shows until the fur has completely regrown.
TREATMENT - Cages and supplies in the cage should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Generally, fungus on the animal does not require a veterinarian visit and can be cleared up easily if you are diligent.
TREATMENT - Cages and supplies in the cage should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Generally, fungus on the animal does not require a veterinarian visit and can be cleared up easily if you are diligent.
A powder generally used to treat athletes foot in humans is quite effective to treat chinchillas. Look for a product with an active ingredient of “Miconazole, such as Desenex works well. This can usually be found in many stores and pharmacies. A mentioned previously, fungus loves warm humid environments, so as your humidity rises (like in the summertime,) your incidents of fungus may also rise. Fungus is so common, especially in humid environments, that it is recommended to have a bottle in your first aid kit, ready to use when needed.
Medicated powder in their dust baths is the most effective means of controlling and treating fungus. Approximately 2 tablespoons of medicated powder in 2 cups of dust is recommended. Dust daily for the first few days, then dust normally until fur starts regrowing.
Have more questions contact empresschinchilla@gmail.com