Cat Ringworm and Feline Dermatophytosis
Cat Ringworm, or Feline Dermatophytosis, is an infection of the hair and hair follicles. This is the most common fungal infection of cats and dogs worldwide. The incidence is three times higher in cats than it is in dogs and prevails in warm, humid climates.
The classic ringworm lesion is a circular patch of skin with no hairs or broken hairs. The edges are may be red, scaly and crusty. In pets, lesions usually occur on the head and/or face although they may appear on other parts of the body.
Ringworm is easily spread to other animals and people by contact with an infected cat. Infected hairs or skin scales shed into the environment. Long haired cats less than a year old living in multicat environments are at highest risk. Some cats are healthy carriers. They carry and spread the infection but show no signs themselves.
CAUSES OF CAT RINGWORM
Certain types of fungi called Dermatophytes cause ringworm. In cats 90 percent of the cases are caused by a fungus called Microsporum canis.
SIGNS OF CAT RINGWORM
Circular patches of hair loss with no hair or short broken hairs with minimal to no itching.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
A fungal culture is the most reliable way to diagnose Ringworm. Infected hairs and scales are “plucked” from the edges of the lesion and sent to the lab. They are grown in a special medium that changes color in positive cases.
A woods lamp is an ultraviolet light under which infected hairs may fluoresce a yellowish green color. It can take up to five minutes for the infected hairs to fluoresce and those that do should be cultured to confirm the diagnosis.
A “skin scraping” examined under the microscope for fungal elements also aids initial diagnosis.
WARNING : To get rid of this fungus completely can take three to four months. It requires patience and a lot of work. Exact treatment depends on the extent of infection and number of animals involved. Minor skin lesions may heal with topical anti-fungal creams, but in most cases, a combination of oral and topical anti-fungal medications are necessary for complete healing.
Griseofulvin is the only oral ringworm medication approved for use in cats. Topical antifungal creams ending in “azole” are also usually effective.
Treatment: clip whole body and dip whole cat. Do not use scissors to clip individual skin lesions.
The best treatment is a dip once a week until your cat is cured, evidence is when fungal cultures are negative. Dips to kill fungus are okay for cats: Chlorhexidine, (also good for carpet) or lime sulphur, Captan, 1% Chorox (1 parts to 99 water), dry after dipping, don’t rinse off dip. Conofite – topical cream okay for lesions Over The Counter – Clorox 1:32 dilution.
TIP: Trimming hair from small-localized lesions with scissors promotes healing (disinfect the scissors with bleach between lesions to avoid spreading the infection.) For pets with lesions spread all over the body, clipping the hair is not recommended because clippers are necessary and they are too hard to disinfect. That actually spreads the infection. Infected pets should be isolated. Owners can stop treating when fungal cultures generate negative results.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Environment clean up: Cleaning up the contaminated environment is extensive and costly. If possible, dispose of all pets bedding, brushes, blankets, scratching posts, etc.
Contaminated items you can’t dispose of must be disinfected. To disinfect: Wash in a solution of hot water and iodine soap, then soak them in the same solution for one hour. Rinse them with a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Air-dry them in sunlight.
Dry clean drapes, steam clean carpets, clean floors and walls with chlorine bleach, vacuum and disinfect all heating and cooling vents, change air filters weekly. Also disinfect your pet’s carrier and your car or van and cat flaps, vacuum your home daily and clean pet’s cage daily.
CAT TIP: Be sure to wear rubber gloves and wash your hands well to avoid spreading Ringworm to yourself and/or other family members. A Ringworm Vaccine is available but is not routinely recommended.
CAT FACT: Up to 50 percent of Longhaired Persian Cats have a Hereditary Immune Defect and are carriers of fungus with no signs. This fungus can live 7 years in the hair shaft of a Persian cat.
COMPLEMENTARY CAT THERAPY
Immunostimulant Herbs that promote natural immunity and skin healing are Reishi, Astragalus and Echinacea. Vitamins A and E promote immunity and enhance healing. Goldenseal (Hydrastis camademsos) is an herb that can be infused and applied topically for skin lesions. Stir one generous Teaspoon of powdered root stock into 8 oz of boiling water. When this has cooled, strain the fluid into a separate container. Use to massage the affected area morning and evening. Be sure to wear gloves.
PLANTAGO MAY BE USED TOPICALLY. Use the Goldenseal infusion formula above to make the Plantago infusion.
HOMEOPATHIC CAT REMEDY
SULPHER 6X: 1 PELLET ONCE A DAY FOR 30 DAYS. No food 10 minutes before or after treatment. If improvement is seen after 1 month continue until healed. Several months may be necessary.
