I think the Little Cigar might have ringworm...

[PapaFrita]

Found a perfectly round bald patch on his neck. It had hair in the centre until I rubbed it a bit and the hair fell out The centre is a bit dry and flaky. How on earth could he have caught it? He's out 24/7 with Sofanor, and the paddock they're in was empty for AGES until they moved in. The only horses that have been next door have been PF and Antifaz. Oh, *thinks* actually, the YO moved some of his broodmares for a couple of days... I suppose I'll have to check them. There ARE some cows in the farm next door, just across the fence. Could he have got it from them? Any answers/suggestions/advice gladly received.

[Digger123]

I was always told that the ringworm spores could lie dormant in woodwork so if he has been scratching on fence posts it may be possible he caught if from that

[Slinkyunicorn]

Is quite likely they have got them from the cows - apparently they are quite commonly carriers. I know ringworm isn't great but it easily treatable and they will be as right as rain in a very short time. Just keep them away from Antifaz and PF as over here as a highly contagious disease/condition it would mean not leaving the yard for shows etc. Would have to check with friend whose horse had ringworm - but I think once they get the little circles showing there isn't a lot you can do to stop more appearing. Speak to vet for appropriate treatment - I think they may just let it run its course. Will check and let you know later.

To be on the safe side get AF and PF checked out by vet if you are planning on competing somewhere.

How are the two little tinkers getting on together?

[PapaFrita]

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I was always told that the ringworm spores could lie dormant in woodwork so if he has been scratching on fence posts it may be possible he caught if from that

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Yes, but for how long? And none of the other horses at the yard has it

[PapaFrita]

The boys are getting along great, thanks Hopefully (ringworm permitting!) the other foalies will be weaned soon and they can go in with them.
Can I put some cream on the patche(s)? I'll phone my vet tomorrow to check. I don't know how to say 'ringworm' in Spanish though!

[appylass]

Aww poor Little Cigar, I'd blame the cattle as the most likely culprit. If one of our cows/calves get it it will spread like wildfire through the group, thank goodness it's not serious! Ringworm is I'm sure you know a fungal infection so if you could get hold of any (human)cream for athletes foot or thrush is would probably help. I've found tea tree oil is a good anti-fungal too.

I hope he is better soon, I'm sure it won't detract from his gorgeousness

[Slinkyunicorn]

I'm glad they are getting on - I'm sure it will make all the difference to the Sofanor to have a buddy!

I'll check with my friend and see what she did - I would guess the cream won't do any harm. Will post an update when I have spoken to her - it was about 8 years ago so I've forgotten what she did!! But would be pretty sure that they have got it from the cows......

[Patches]

You make ringworm sound like a notifiable disease...on the same scale as strangles.

Oliver had ringworm two years ago. Can you get Immaverol over there PF? It's great stuff. Just mix it in a spray bottle with lukewarm water and spray him from head to foot in it the first day, then just the lesions every third days after that.

It'll soon go. For the record, no one stopped me taking my other horses anywhere and I didn't even separate them...I just kept a very lightweight sheet on Oliver. Figured that as they were together when he caught it, they were already exposed.

I also don't believe it's as contagious as some like to suggest. We've had cows with it and it never spreads around the whole herd, much like only Oliver (out of six horses) got it.

[Slinkyunicorn]

Patches - I didn't mean to make it sound that bad!! The only time I had anything to do with it was at my previous yard where my friends new horse got it - there were a few serious competition horses there whose owners threw hissy fits about as they would be stopped from competing!! - I have assumed from that there is some sort of restriction on competing.

[Patches]

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Patches - I didn't mean to make it sound that bad!! The only time I had anything to do with it was at my previous yard where my friends new horse got it - there were a few serious competition horses there whose owners threw hissy fits about as they would be stopped from competing!! - I have assumed from that there is some sort of restriction on competing.

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LOL

I still took Oliver to PC. They knew he had ringworm (I must admit the lesions had no scabs anymore, but the hair was yet to grow back) and weren't concerned. He didn't come into physical contact with any of the other ponies there, so was no threat to them.