In addition, enlargement of the spleen, liver and abdominal lymph nodes may be observed. Once a diagnosis has been established, treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic and supportive care may be effective. Microsporum gypseum is the agent most commonly associated with prairie dog ringworm, but infections with other fungal agents can not be ruled out. Affected animals exhibit areas of hair loss, increased pigmentation and thickened skin over the chest, abdomen, lower back, tail and head. A veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis with skin scrapings and fungal cultures.
Treatment consists of antifungal agents given topically and systemically.
Handling The proper procedure for lifting a prairie dog is to wrap one hand around its chest while supporting the hindquarters with your other hand. Be careful when working around their head and face for they may bite when disturbed or agitated. In addition, they have sharp claws used for digging which may serve as weapons when threatened. An old bath towel may be used to wrap around the animal for better control and further protection from these claws. Unlike most rodents, prairie dogs have very little loose skin over their neck to scruff for restraint.