Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm in cats is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Studies have shown that this skin disease can invade the skin, hair or even the nails of dogs. Ringworm is a highly contagious airborne disease and can transmit from one cat to another. Ringworm can also spread to humans. This ringworm infection also known as dermatophytosis affects the superficial dead layers of the skin and hair. The fungus thrives on the dead tissue found in the skin and eventually multiplies with the passage of time. This organism attacks and damages the hair shafts. Infected hair, break off at the skin line. This gives rise to round patches of hair loss. As the fungus increases in number, the lesions may spread over the head, ears and extremities of the paws. Although the infection can develop in any cat, it is commonly observed in:

• Cats less than 12 months old
• Long haired cats
• Cats who have a weakened immune system
• Malnourished cats
• Those suffering from diseases
• Certain breeds of cats such as Persian cats, are also vulnerable to this skin infection

Symptoms

The appearance of the infected cat changes along with the changes in the infection. Some cats may suffer from severe skin diseases while other cats may look completely normal. The most common symptom of ringworm infection, is circular areas devoid of hair. These patchy areas of baldness are sometimes red and commonly seen around the limbs. Other symptoms include:

• Patchy hair loss
• Itchy skin
• The cat scratches frequently, especially around the ear area
• Dry, flaky skin.
• Small, round skin lesions (wounds) can be clearly observed, because hair does not grow over them.
• Anomaly in the shape and structure of the claws, in case the infection has affected the nails

Treatment

If the cat is healthy, then the infection will resolve spontaneously on its own within a few weeks. However, debilitated cats will take a long time to recover from this condition. Treatment is recommended to speed up the recovery process. Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug that is commonly prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of ringworm. The drug restricts fungus growth and helps the cat's immune system to fight the infection. This is indeed an effective drug as it enables the immune system to gain control over the disease. The drug is available in tablet form and must be given orally twice a day. Other drug recommended for usage is Ketoconazole.

Topical treatments include, use of shampoos and sprays. Antifungal shampoos are a good option and should be utilized every 4 to 6 days. Hair can also be made short in order to remove the spores. Efforts should be taken to eliminate other skin problems such as fleas. As ringworm disease is highly infectious, it is necessary to keep the cat in a separate room to avoid contact. The product licensed for topical therapy of ringworm in cats, is a chlorhexidine and miconazole shampoo. Visiting the veterinarian for a ringworm vaccination is also useful in this regard. This treatment helps to build immunity towards the fungus.

An easy way to prevent this fungal infection is to provide a healthy nutritious diet to the cat. The environment where the cat is living should be clean. An effective cleaning plan must be implemented to decontaminate the room of the cat. Vacuuming and damp mopping are generally recommended. All grooming tools, and bedding of the cat must be disinfected with bleach and thoroughly cleaned.