Treatment usually includes Betadine scrubs, ketoconazole ointment, and grisiofulvine tablets. Infected pets first should be segregated from those that appear asymptomatic. Some cases of ringworm are so "textbook" that diagnosis can be done by appearance alone. Not all exposed pets will develop the disease, however. Other common modes of transmission include contaminated grooming supplies and hair clippers. The usual source is a carrier pet that shows no signs of the disease. The spores are transmitted into a scratch or scrape on the same or different animal. Ringworm fungi (e.g., Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) do not penetrate normal skin. The most common areas for ringworm include the face, ear tips, tail and paws. A band of inflamed, reddened skin with short hair is also broken and short. These areas typically heal at their centers and grow darker than normal hair. Ringworm typically produces circular patches of broken hair that appear as ring-like coils. When handling infected pets, it is always best to wear protective gloves. (In dogs, ringworm is most common in younger ones.) Cats that recover from ringworm often remain "healthy carriers" that show no signs of infection. Although it is most common in cats, it also occurs in a variety of other animals such as rabbits, dogs, chinchillas and hedgehogs.Ĭats, not least longhaired cats, often have multiple ringworm lesions. What Types of Animals Can Contract Ringworm?Īll mammals (people, too) can get ringworm. Such infestations may result in hair loss and skin infections. Untreated ringworm lesions can spread over large areas of an animal’s body. What Can Happen if Ringworm Remains Untreated? Finally, remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling or bathing your cat. These may require that you bathe your pets with a medicated rinse or shampoo, launder the infected animals’ bedding and toys with an anti-fungal disinfectant, discard things such as carpeted cat-trees that is impractical to disinfect, and vacuum frequently to rid the floor of infected hairs and skin cells. Nevertheless, keep in mind that if you have other pets, it is likely your veterinarian may recommend several regimens. If your veterinarian has diagnosed your cat with ringworm, he or she will explain what you must do to prevent the fungus from spreading to other pets—and to you, for that matter. How Can I Prevent Ringworm from Spreading? Treatment of the cat’s environment is necessary in order to prevent relapse of infection. In order to eradicate this fungus completely, treatment may need to continue for several months with periodic fungal cultures from time to time. In some cases, however, he or she may prescribe oral medications are necessary. The veterinarian may prescribe a shampoo or ointment with anti-fungal, oral medications. Treatment depends on the severity of the ringworm infection. (The lesion will glow under the UV light.) He or she may examine skin samples under the microscopic as well. A veterinarian may use an ultraviolet light (e.g., a Wood’s Lamp) to diagnose ringworm. As such, a definitive diagnosis of ringworm is rarely made just by simply examining the skin. Some cats show little or no symptoms of ringworm. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your cat. It is a good idea to quarantine your cat immediately until a vet can confirm a diagnosis. Moreover, this condition can spread easily to humans as well as other pets. It is important to see your vet for an accurate diagnosis. What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Ringworm? ![]() Ringworm can quickly spread in shelters or other crowded environments warm and humid conditions tend to promote ringworm infections. Longhaired and immunocompromised cats are also more susceptible. Which Cats Are Prone to Ringworm Infection?Īny cat can develop ringworm, but the very young, very old, and immunocompromised are especially prone to infection. Ringworm spores can survive in the environment for more than a year. Severe cases can spread over the entire body.Ĭats contract ringworm either directly (via contact with an infected animal) or indirectly (via contact with fomites such as contaminated bedding). It produces flaky, hairless patches that often are reddish in the middle. ![]() Ringworm in cats presents as skin lesions, typically on the head, ears and forelimbs. What Are the General Symptoms of Ringworm? Moreover, ringworm can spread easily to humans and other pets. It is easy to spot because the hair has disappeared from these patches. Ringworm is quite contagious and presents as patchy, roundish, reddish areas on the skin. The three primary types are Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the first two of which are especially common in dogs and cats. Sorry to burst your bubble, but "ringworm" is caused by a fungus not a worm.
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