As you know, not only people are sick, but also animals, and sometimes certain diseases can affect not only pets, but also be transmitted to their breeders. One of these pathologies is ringworm in cats, which every owner of these elegant animals knows about. I note right away that this is an infectious fungal disease that affects the skin and hairline.
In general, ringworm in cats is, rather, a collective concept, since it includes two characteristic diseases: microsporia and trichophytosis, similar in their clinical manifestation. However, there are also significant differences: for example, in the first case, we are talking about damage to the skin and hair cover with a microsporum fungus, and in the case of trichophytosis, with trichophyton. It is important to clarify that ringworm in cats is extremely dangerous for humans, since in the human body this disease occurs in a more severe form.
So, what is the clinical picture of this disease? Let's try to understand in more detail. The incubation period can last from several days to three months. The first alarming symptoms are a skin rash on the skin of the animal, and the cat first appears small spots, but in the absence of timely treatment, they rapidly progress. There is no hairline on the foci of pathology, and they are covered with scaly crusts of predominantly gray color and greasy to the touch. If we talk about the area of their localization, it should be clarified that, first of all, there is a defeat of the muzzle, limbs, tail and ears.
Ringworm in cats has a different degree of intensity, so you should distinguish between superficial, deep and atypical course of a characteristic disease. The deep form is considered the most dangerous and most often inherent in animals with weakened immunity, the surface form cannot always be distinguished, especially in long-haired cats, and the atypical form appears on the skin with hairless areas.
So, before treating ringworm, you need to contact a veterinarian in a timely manner, who, in turn, will determine the nature of the pathology through luminescent diagnosis. However, this examination method is not always accurate, so it is recommended to take samples of hair and scrapings from the skin of the animal for a more detailed clinical study.
When a final diagnosis is made, intensive care should be started immediately. The question arises: how to treat ringworm in an animal? I note right away that this is a rather lengthy and complex process that begins with quarantine, so to speak. A sick animal is isolated, because, as you know, the disease is transmitted by contact, and the room should be constantly disinfected.
Further, complex treatment includes the introduction of special vaccines, as well as strong antibiotics in the form of injections ("Griseofulfin"). In addition, systematic hygiene of the foci of pathology in the form of daily rinsing of the crusts with antiseptic solutions (10% alcohol solution of iodine, or 10% salicylic alcohol) is recommended, treatment with antifungal drugs ("Miconazole", "Tiabendazole") is needed. It also provides for the regular collection and burning of torn away peels and hair. Some long-haired cats are even “shaved baldly” so that the disease does not spread through the coat.
Ringworm in cats can be prevented in a timely manner, since today there are special vaccines that prevent a characteristic disease, for example, Wackderm-F. It is also recommended to limit the contact of your pet with stray animals and closely monitor its "interlocutors" at exhibitions, and if any signs are found, contact your veterinarian immediately.