GENERAL INFORMATION:

Contrary to popular belief, ringworm is not a worm at all but is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It can infect both animals and people and can easily be transmitted back and forth from pets to human family members once established in a household.

This fungus is everywhere. Microsporum canis is in the ground and in the air. Little spores will land on susceptible skin and grow in a red circle ring like rash.

Cats and dogs can both get ringworm. They get scaling of the skin and show local lesions that look like "cigarette ash" deposits. Infection in cats is often not noticed.

Kittens and puppies are most often affected as their immune system is not yet developed enough to resist the fungus.

Ringworm is characterized by rapidly growing circular patches of scaly, red skin. There is also marked hair loss in these areas and in some cases the skin will ooze a sticky, crusty substance.

Both younger animals and people seem more susceptible to becoming infected with ringworm than are adults. Children should avoid handling animals infected with ringworm altogether.

Any animals with suspicious looking skin abrasions should be checked by your veterinarian immediately because ringworm can be very difficult to get rid of once it becomes established in your home.

Adults who must handle animals with ringworm should follow rigorous hygiene practices, washing hands well each and every time pets are handled.

If you believe you have contracted ringworm from your pet, please consult your family physician.

DIAGNOSIS:

Treatment may be initiated based on clinical signs alone, however there are several tests that can aid in diagnosis.

Ringworm is usually diagnosed with the help of ultraviolet light. In positive cases the area fluoresces green.

Fungal Culture. In other cases skin scrapings or a fungal culture is necessary in order to separate ringworm from other skin conditions. Hair from affected areas may be placed in a special culture. It usually takes 7-10 days for the culture to grow.

TREATMENT:

The goal of the treatment is to eliminate the infection in the animal and to prevent its spread to other animals and people.

ANTI-FUNGAL SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS

Shampoos are done once weekly for two weeks beyond “recovery” to assure fungal organisms are eradicated. It may be necessary to bather all animals in contact with the affected animals; regardless of whether skin lesions are present or not.

ORAL ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATION is often recommended for moderate to severe infections. If prescribed, these medicines should be given with food containing additional fat. For example a small meal with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil mixed in. This increases the intestinal absorption of the drug

TOPICALS

Topical products (creams and lotions) can be used for very localized lesions. These are sold over the counter as athlete foot products.

VACCINATIONS

Catteries, persistent infections, and outside cats would benefit from a vaccination.

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

To avoid a recurrence, all clothing, bedding, cages, groomingtools, etc., must be treated. Clorox in a 1:10 dilution and steam both kill the ringworm fungus.

Thoroughly vacuum your home, and change furnace filters.

Ringworm fungus is unpleasant and time consuming to deal with. It can also be stubborn to get rid of. Early diagnosis is the key to quick and easy eradication of this disease.