Ringworm

Question
Hi Dana

I bought a baby rabbit from a large pet store in February and less three weeks later she needed to visit my vets. After six weeks of anti-parasitic, anti-biotic and topical(steroid) drops her condition has healed, although the fur has still to grow back completely on her ears.  The vet wasn't completely sure what it was, but the tops of her ears (outside) were slightly thin (little fur) and looked like dandruff (white flakes).  She had also broken the skin on the inside and outside of her ears (scratching), and the worst affected ear became 'crusty' around the edge, which looked like something was eating away the edge of her ear.  Thankfully whatever it was has now gone.

Unfortunately two weeks after she started her treatment I visited my doctor as I developed 2 small red circular patches on my side. He ruled out ringworm but treated me for fungal diseases and dermatitis.
To cut a long story short, it became a lot worse and I changed my doctor. This morning I have been diagnosed with ringworm that has become infected.  I'll find out for definite in two weeks when the results of the swab/skin scrapings come back, but the two doctors this morning say it looks very much like ringworm and I am now being treated for the condition.

Could it be that I've caught ringworm from the rabbit?  I'm 35 years old with 2 houserabbits and a husband with no children.  My husband (and my other rabbit) haven't been affected but I'm the one that treated and groomed her whilst she was going back and forth the vets.  I've also kept the rabbits separated.

I don't come into contact with children very often and have my own office at work.  My house is also kept clean.  I can't understand where I've got this from as I've never suffered anything like this before. I believe it could only be from the young rabbit.  Is it likely that it could have come from my new bundle of joy and is it common to catch ringworm from rabbits?

Your help is always appreciated!

Samantha Garbutt  

Answer
Dear Samantha,

Ringworm fungus (usually Microsporum spp.) is one of the few zoonotic (i.e., transmissible between humans and other animals) pathogens of rabbits.  And as you suspect, the problem is usually contact with children.

Since you got this bunny at a pet store, it's very likely that the poor little thing was being pawed by children before you got him, and that could be where he contracted a ringworm fungus (if he had it).  And if he had it, he could well have passed it on to you.

Fortunately, most strains of this fungus are quite treatable with topical fungicidal creams, so I hope you and bunny will be completely cured soon.

Yet another reason to adopt, rather than shop for a bunny.  Though I'm very glad that little fellow is with you, and out of that pet store.  You might want to write a letter to the management of that pet store to let them know what happened.  You may not be able to prove anything, but they should be told that it's not wise to sell rabbits.

Good luck!

Dana