Chipmunk with Ringworm

[tlynn]

Hey! I just found out my chipmunk that we rescued by our barn, has ringworm, not mange. I was wondering if anyone could help with what I should do to treat him, as well as what to feed him? How long should it take to get him back to normal? thanks!

[astra]

Hey! I just found out my chipmunk that we rescued by our barn, has ringworm, not mange. I was wondering if anyone could help with what I should do to treat him, as well as what to feed him? How long should it take to get him back to normal? thanks!
thank you so much for capturing him.

I don't know much about treating the ringworm,but our experts might have some helpful suggestions.
The only thing is it's kind of late right now and people are, most likely, busy feeding hundreds of their Hurricane irene babies, and not everyone might be on the board. But someone will definitely reply tomorrow for sure (and, maybe, even tonight - you never know).

In the meantime, just keep him contained, put some old t-shirts for him to burrow and snuggle in. If you have a water bottle for hamster and rats, you can use that. Or put a small bowl with water and some marbles/pebbles inside - this way it won't be as easy for him to turn it over, and he won't get aspirated: let water just cover those pebbles/marbles.

If you end up keeping him for the duration of treatment, of course, he will need a specific diet.
In the meantime, you could put a few nuts, some avocado (no pit, no skin - toxic), sliced of peeled apple. He should be ok this way till the morning.

If possible, keep the cage/container he is in covered, but not all the way: leave a bit open so that he can watch where he is if he wants to.Keep him somewhere quiet, dark and warm so that he doesn't get stressed out unnecessarily.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Rhapsody]

TRACONAZOLE - is used to treat Ringworms in CATS...... Does any one know IF this medicine can be given to a Squirrel? - it comes in pill form.

Dr Foster & Smith has this for RIngworms:
.... Vets use it in multiple species - We would NEED proper DOSE!!
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12191

[Marci]

I would take the chippie to the vet unless someone on TSB has every dosed a squirrel with this med. I am a bit concerned if this med only comes in pill form. Does it come in liquid form?

The dosing of meds for an animal weighing under 100 grams is very tricky.

If someone has treated a squirrel with this med, let me know, perhaps a proper dosage can be worked out.

[Rhapsody]

They also have a liquid form, but its more for the ear & skin. (not sure about it)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10223

[CritterMom]

I did some research on this a while ago when Joe Schmoe's Rocky and Rhona got ringworm. I discovered that the Organic Virgin Coconut Oil rubbed into the areas took care of this! Apple Cider Vinegar does as well but the smell of it apparently makes many animals quite ill with vomiting so I hesitated to recommend it. Jo treated both of her foxers successfully with the coconut oil.

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is sold in health food stores - and Walmart has it as well.