Ringworm disease in cats

Website design By BotEap.comRingworm is a fungal infection that can affect a cat’s hair, skin, and nails. It will clear up on its own over time, but a cat can spread the disease to other animals and humans while infected.

Website design By BotEap.comThe disease is commonly caused by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, or Trichophyton fungi found on infected animals or in the environment in which the animals live. The spores can live up to 24 months and prefer warm, moist areas. A cat can have the disease without showing any symptoms.

Website design By BotEap.comThe disease can be transmitted by direct contact or by infected cleaning implements. A healthy cat’s immune system builds resistance to disease. A cat with a suppressed immune system, high steroid use, older, free-roaming, malnourished, sick, or highly stressed is at increased risk of ringworm.

Website design By BotEap.comSkin lesions are the most common symptom. Normally hairless lesions are usually found on the head, ears, and tail. It can also affect the nails causing malformations. Sometimes the entire body can become infected, resulting in a flaky or oily skin condition.

Website design By BotEap.comA specialized black light, Wood’s lamp, can diagnose some fungal species. Another diagnostic method is to pluck hairs around the lesion and examine them under a microscope. The most accurate way is to collect scales and scabs from the skin and perform a fungal culture.

Website design By BotEap.comRingworm can be treated with topical creams such as miconazole or thiabendazole. In severe cases, a topical treatment using limestone sulfur baths and combined with medications such as Itraconazole, Terbafina or Greseofluvin. Baths are stinky and can temporarily turn fur yellow, but they are very effective. Always consult a vet to determine the best treatment.

Website design By BotEap.comKeeping a cat away from an infected animal and maintaining a clean environment are good ways to prevent the disease. If spores are found to be present, the area should be thoroughly cleaned, including heating and cooling ducts. A bleach solution diluted 10 to 1 and left for 10 minutes will kill the spores. Since humans can become infected, gloves are recommended when handling infected animals and cleaning.