Ringworm can be transmitted to humans and is a common mycosis in our cats. However, it can be difficult to identify as almost a third of carrier cats show no visible signs. So how can we detect cases of ringworm in our felines and how are they treated? Video response from Dr. Marine Hugonnard.
Origin and warning signs
Ringworm is a common mycosis in our cats. It is a zoonosis, that is, a disease that can be transmitted from the infected animal to humans. Transmission occurs by direct contact or indirectly, especially through tissues. The problem is that almost a third of cats are carriers, but without visible signs of ringworm.
It is caused by fungi: Microsporum canis in most cases and Trichophyton sp. Young cats are often affected. All cat breeds are affected, but the Persian cat is predisposed.
Warning signs of ringworm are hair loss around the ears, on the limbs, muzzle or top of the tail. The ringworm cat may also have scales, redness, crusts or even itching.
Means of prevention
Ringworm is a zoonosis if you see areas of hair loss in your cat that are round in shape, or if you see pink to red ring-shaped spots (O-shaped) on your forearms with raised scaly edges that appear to enlarge in periphery and tend to fade in the center, consult a veterinarian for your animal and a physician for yourself.
If the diagnosis of ringworm is confirmed, it is important to implement treatment for the ringworm cat, but also for its environment and other animals in the household.
Medical care
The diagnosis is made by direct detection of the fungus: either under a microscope, in and around the hairs, or by cultivation with identification of the fungus. The examination under a Wood’s lamp is carried out in the dark and shows fluorescent parts of the fur if the cat has ringworm.
The treatment takes place locally with shampoo or lotion with an antifungal effect and generally in the form of antifungal tablets or syrup. The duration of treatment varies from one to six months. Treatment can be stopped after a negative fungal culture result.
It is important to treat the house, but also all elements in contact with the cat, with bleach or azole product solutions.
Vacuum very regularly and destroy the vacuum bags to avoid recontamination of the environment. Wash your hands well after touching a ringworm cat or better, wear gloves and avoid contact with ringworm cats in case of immunocompromised people.
VIDEO – Ringworm in cats
Image credit: DR
[cc] Breizh-info.com2024, broadcasts free to copy and distribute subject to attribution and link to the original source
