Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect both cats and dogs, as well as other small animals. So that’s the bad news. Now are you ready for the worst part? Ringworm is not only contagious between pets, but it also highly contagious to humans too! That’s right…you can, unfortunately, get ringworm from your beloved pet. So that right there should be enough incentive to keep a close look-out for it!
Ringworm is transmitted through fungal spores that infect the skin, hair, objects, and soil. The fungi can live on stray hair follicles and skin cells making it easily transmissible and present in the environment for a long time, waiting for another host.
The most common symptom of pet ringworm is hair loss in circular areas or a ring-shape, mostly on the head but often on the legs, feet, or tail. This may also be accompanied by small papules surrounding the area that has no hair. The skin may be scaly, red, and inflamed inside these areas. Symptoms not as specific to ringworm are acne on the chin and dandruff.
If you see any of these visible signs on your pet, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. A black light lamp called a Wood’s lamp is sometimes used because some species of ringworm fungi are fluorescent under this light. However, because not all species will show up under the light, your vet may perform a fungal culture to confirm the diagnosis. Your vet may also recommend additional testing to rule out other causes of hair loss and skin lesions such as skin allergies, sarcoptes or demodex mites.
Topical treatments for the infected pet may be prescribed, as well as antifungal shampoos to keep the spreading of the spores under control. In cats, there is an oral liquid which is very effective at treating this condition. In dogs, oral anti-fungal medications may also be necessary to eradicate the infection. Treatment usually needs to be continued for at least six weeks and sometimes even longer. It is very important that you do not stop treatment sooner than recommended as the infection will likely recur. If you have other pets in the household, keep the infected animal separated from them. In some cases, you may even have to treat all animals together. Your vet will be able to provide recommendation on this. You should be very cautious to always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after having touched your pet throughout the treatment period.
While treating an animal for ringworm, you should also do a thorough cleaning of your home to remove any contaminated hair or skin cells. To prevent future breakouts, regularly clean pet blankets/bedding, dispose of hairs on the grooming brush, regularly vacuum your home, and routinely disinfect common areas in your home where your pets tend to live.
Follow these tips and you will be one giant step closer to a fungus-free home!