Treating Ringworm In Cats
Although treating ringworm in cats may involve no more than use of an oral or topical mediation, the disease can be difficult to detect and correctly diagnose. In addition, since the fungus causing the disease is able to live in the air for long periods, keeping the disease from reoccurring or spreading can at times be quite difficult.
Not A Worm, But A Fungus - Ringworm is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, of which there are many different species, although the vast majority of cases are caused by the species Microsporum canis, which as the name implies, can also affect dogs, and humans as well for that matter. Ringworm, a fungal infection which has nothing to do with worms, is contagious, and can be spread from one household pet to another and to the homeowners as well.
Younger cats and some long haired breeds are usually more susceptible to this fungal disease, as are cats (or dogs) that spend time in kennels where they're more apt to pick the fungus up. Naturally kennels, veterinary facilities, and catteries, take great pains to prevent the fungus from taking a foothold.
It's believed that the cat itself does most of the work in preventing a ringworm infestation. It does this largely through self grooming, ingesting the spores not being harmful, partially explaining why longer-haired breeds can often have more of a problem. In addition, the fungus does not appear able to become established when coming into contact with healthy skin, but requires a lesion or other disturbance of the skin if it is to find a home.
While an infestation of ringworm usually shows itself as somewhat circular areas of hair loss or disturbance, particularly around the head or on the paws, other feline skin diseases such as dermatitis or certain allergies sometimes result in a similar appearance. While some loss of hair is fairly common, some of the other symptoms such as scaling, itching, and inflammation may be quite variable in appearance or severity.
Forms Of Treatment - The most common cause of treatment is that of applying a topical anti fungal cream to the affected area or areas. If the disease is more widespread, topical medications may be supplemented with oral medication. In extreme cases it may be necessary to shave the cat, often totally, if it's a longhair breed. Any utensils used in treating the animal must be disinfected to prevent transmitting fungal spores to other animals or to humans. There are various medications applied when a cat has been shaved, the most common being the rather foul-smelling but effective lime sulfur dip, yielding a somewhat yellowish (a temporary condition), but healthier cat.
It usually takes a few weeks for topical creams to fully take effect, and if they do not appear to be effective, an oral medication may be used in addition to or instead of the lotion or cream. Veterinarians treating a ringworm-infected cat will take cultures on a weekly basis until it's been firmly established the infection has been eliminated.
A Self-Limiting Disease - If there is anything good to be said about ringworm in cats it's that the condition usually will clear itself up in time and is not a permanent condition. The cat doesn't know this of course, and while some appear to be oblivious to the condition, others can really suffer, and therefore treatment is definitely a must. Treatment is also highly advisable due to the contagious nature of ringworm.
Any skin disease or condition your cat seems to be affected by should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. Ringworm in cats is not all that common, but occurs frequently enough, and together with its ability to spread, makes early detection and treatment highly advisable.