Ringworm in cats

Ringworm is an infectious skin disease caused by two species of fungi (trichophyton and microsporium). Ringworm caused by trichophyton is called trichophytosis, and microsporium - microsporia. Usually carriers of the pathogen are children andanimals. Moreover, ringworm in cats and dogs is especially dangerous for humans - when infected from an animal, the disease passes in a more severe form. You can get infected both with direct contact with the carrier, and through objects.

Usually cats are infected with ringworm whencontact with sick animals, but even a domestic cat that does not go out onto the street is not immune from infection. Spores of the fungus can be transferred, for example, with particles of street dirt on our shoes. Of course, in this case, infection is less likely, but still this probability is greater than zero. In addition, it is worth considering that some breeds of cats are more susceptible to ringworm. Cats are more often infected with microsporia than trichophytosis.

How to recognize ringworm in cats? The first sign of the disease is a rash. Over time, it increases in size, then becomes crusted. After a while on the site of the rash there are foci of alopecia (alopecia). They have a rounded shape and clear boundaries. The lesions are covered with crusts of skin scales, bold to the touch. Most often, the skin of the limbs, neck and head is affected. Affected areas of the skin can itch, this will be noticeable by the restless behavior of the cat. But in many cases, itching is mild or absent.

However, finally diagnose the ringwormdepriving the cats can only vet on the basis of luminescent diagnostics and tests - other skin diseases can also have similar symptoms. Therefore, with the first suspicions of trichophytosis or microsporia, it is necessary immediately isolate a cat from other animals and household members and show the animal to the doctor as soon as possible.

The earlier you show the cat to the veterinarian - the more chances for a successful outcome. There is an opinion that ringworm in catsis incurable, and the only way out is to lull the sick animal. In fact, this is not so. But if you delay the visit to the doctor, the treatment can last for several months. In some cases, even after healing, spots that are devoid of hair or pigment may remain on the animal's skin.

Treatment doctor appoints based on the resultssurvey. Usually, ringworm is treated in cats with specific antifungal drugs (depending on the particular fungus that caused the disease), and also treated the affected skin with an antiseptic. Sometimes prescribe vitamins, which contribute to the early restoration of the hair on the lesions, but this is not necessary. When caring for a sick cat, you must necessarily burn the crusts and fallen hair, disinfect the room and care items.

Treatment can be stopped only as directed by a doctor! Even if it seems to you that the animal is already healthy,you can not arbitrarily stop treating it. To stop treatment, you must first pass an analysis - seeding on dermatophytes. Only if it turns out to be negative, you can be sure that your cat is completely cured of microsporia or trichophytosis.

Ringworm is acute anthropozoonotic diseasei.e. a disease transmitted to humans from animals. Especially susceptible to this disease are children of primary and secondary school age, as well as people with weakened immunity. Therefore, at the first symptoms of ringworm in your cat, you need to limit her contact with the baby and strictly observe all the rules of personal hygiene.