Ringworm in
Cats and Dogs
Symptoms and Treatment
What is Ringworm
Contrary to its name Ringworm
is not a worm at all but a fungus called Dermatophytes. Dermaphtytes means 'plants that live on the skin'. In the
past, because of the circular lesions made by the fungi they
were thought to be caused by worms, hence the name ringworm.
The fungi live on the surface
of the skin and in the skin follicles feeding on dead skin
tissue and hair.
There are
three different types of fungus that can cause ringworm but
the most predominant ones found on cats and dogs is
Microsporum
canis.
 What does Ringworm look
like on my cat or dog?
The usual symptom is a round hairless lesion. The
characteristic "ring" that we see on humans doesn't always
appear as a ring on cats. This lesion will grow in size and
often become irregular in shape.
The fungi cause the hair
shafts to break off and this results in patches of hair loss.
Ringworm are commonly found on the face, ears, tail and paws.
The lesions are scaly and may or may not be itchy and often
the skin is reddened and inflamed.
See more pictures of ringworm
on a dog here
How does my
cat or dog catch ringworm?
Transmission can happen by direct contact with another
infected animal or person. It can be passed from cats to dogs
and visa versa and from pets to humans and from humans to
pets.
The fungal
spores can live in the environment for a long time and can be
found in carpets, bedding, grooming equipment etc and
can infect your cat when it comes into contact with them.
The incubation period is 10-12
days. This means that following exposure to the fungus,
about 10-12 days will pass before any lesions occur
In rare cases ringworm can be
spread by contact with infected soil. The fungus can live for
months in soil if the nutrients are right.
Fortunately the spores are
easily killed with a solution of bleach and water. 500mls of
bleach to 4 liters of water.
 Can
Humans catch Ringworm from Cats or Dogs?
You
can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm.
Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming cats or dogs. You can also get ringworm from cows, goats, pigs
and horses.
Are all cats or dogs susceptible to
ringworm?
Healthy adult cats or dogs usually have a resistance to ringworm.
Young cats and kittens and puppies are more susceptible because their
immune system hasn't fully developed. Many cats and dogs are carriers
of ringworm but show no symptoms.
They can, however, infect other animals or humans.
Diagnosis of Ringworm
To diagnose Ringworm your vet
will need to do one of the following tests. It is not possible
by just looking at the skin to make the diagnosis.
Wood's Lamp
An ultra violet lamp
also known as a black light. Your vet may use this as 50% of
microsporum canis will glow under the lamp.
Microscopic diagnosis
Your vet may look at
part of the hair or skin from the lesion under a microscope.
Culture
Your vet may decide
to take a scraping from the lesion and send it away to the
laboratory to see what the culture grows.
Is there a
cure for
Ringworm?
If no treatment is carried out,
ringworm will run it's course in two to four months and the
symptoms will resolve themselves. However, treatment is
recommended to save your cat or dog from suffering any longer than
necessary and to cut down the period of time they are
contagious
Ringworm Cures
Griseofulvin
Your vet may prescribe Griseofulvin for your cat or dog. It is an
anti fungal drug that is used for pets with ringworm but it
does have some side effects so be sure to consult your vet
before giving any medication. Griseofulvin inhibits fungal
reproduction.
Shampoos and Dips:
Lime sulfur dips are often recommended by your vet.
Dips should be given twice a
week and can be performed either by your vet or at home.
Please be aware that Lime Sulfur will stain clothing and
jewelry and will cause temporary yellowing of the cat or dog's hair.
It also smells very strongly of rotten eggs. Follow your vets
instructions for mixing the dip.
Decontaminate the environment
Use bleach
mixed at 1:10 on any surface that you can. It will kill 80% of
the spores. Vacuum on a daily basis a dispose of vacuum bags
which will contain the spores. Steam cleaning of carpets and
furnishings will also kill a large number of the spores.
Don't forget your cat or dog's bedding or
basket. Wash the basket down with a
bleach solution and wash the bedding in very hot water.
Confine your cat or dog to one room of the
house to avoid spreading spores all over the house.
Other articles of interest
Tapeworm in Cats
Reasons cats vomit
How to get rid of Fleas
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