The veterinarian collected hair from the guinea pig and inoculated a DTM in-house. The DTM became positive within five days, and the veterinarian treated the guinea pig for dermatophytosis. Management of ringworm infections should be directed at eradication of infectious material from the affected animals, in-contact animals, and the environment. Treating animals cannot be limited only to local application with topical drugs. A combination with systemic treatment is essential for success.
Topical treatment removes spores from hair shafts, and systemic treatment acts at hair follicles.
Dosages recommended for dogs and cats are not based on modern pharmacologic studies, but are extrapolated from human recommendations. The most effective doses are higher than the manufacturer s recommendations. This has resulted in unpredictable and significant toxicities. The dosages in small mammals are extrapolated from cat and dog doses, so caution should always be used and veterinarians must be on guard for toxic reactions. Griseofulvin is an antifungal antibiotic that binds to keratin and inhibits fungal growth by disrupting mitosis.