What The Heck Is A Ringworm Cat?
Is ringworm caused by any species of worm or insect? The most common fungal skin disease that cats can get is called ringworm. The cat can be at times referred to as a ringworm cat. The ringworm is a group of fungal organisms know as dermatophytes. The ringworm attacks the outer dead skin layers, claws and hair.
There are just three different types of dermatophytes: Microsporum gypseum (M.gypseum), Microsporum canis (M.Canis) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Microsporum gypseum is typically from cats that dig into a patch of contaminated soil.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes is developed with cats that are in contact with rodents or the rodents holes.
Microsporum canis accounts for roughly 74% to 98% of ringworm seen in cats. It is estimated that up to twenty one percent of cats are known as asymptomatic carriers. (cats which carry the fungus but show no signs of it). M Canis is highly infectious. Ringworm can transfer from cat to dog, dog to cat and human to cat, etc.
Did you know that cats can get ringworm from contact with infected animals, pets and even humans. Cats can also get ringworm when in contact with infected grooming equipment, furniture, carpet and even bedding. The spores can be embedded in the cat hairs and be inaffective for over twelve months.
How do you know if your cat has ringworm today?
The common sign indicators are circular hair loss patches especially around the head and limb areas. Ringworm can occur to any part of your cats body too. There can be grey patchy baldness areas, onychomycosis, seborrhea sicca or flaky dry skin.
There are several ways to diagnose a cat with ringworm. A black light called Wood’s lamp, a culture sample, a biopsy or a microscopic examination can be done.
When using the Wood’s lamp, the hair shafts will actual glow a fluorescent green if ringworm is apparent. When using this method, do not forget that about fifty percent of the ringworm types will show.
Microscopic examination is a rapid diagnosis but may not be that accurate if the sample used had no spores. Don’t forget that the vet is examining the cat hairs for fungal spores. Spores can be difficult to see and is better to have an experienced mycologist do the examination.
The culture sample procedure is the best due to the determination of the exact species of fungus. The time frame is usually about 10 days to perform the culture and results. A biopsy is recommended if the lesions are uncharacteristic.
The cats treatment should commence immediately if the cat has ringworm. Don’t forget to treat the cats environment as well. All cats should be treated if you have more than one cat. Just as a reminder that if you have healthy cats, the fungus will resolve itself often in 2 to 4 months time. The recommended procedure is to quicken the process and prevent the infection to other pets and humans.
The treatment of ringworm cats can be done using dips and shampoos. Bathing your cat can be done every four to six days for two to four weeks. The line sulfur dips will change your cats hair to a yellowish look. The yellow hair coat will fade in time.
A treatment antifungal drug Griseofulvin is usually used for cats. The cats immune system can gain control back and fight off the ringworm by using Griseofulvin which inhibits the fungal cell division. Griseofulvin has side effects and necessary precautions that you should be aware of before starting the ringworm treatment. Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Itraconazole and Terbinafine (Lamisil) are other drugs you can ask your vet about. You may also want to ask your vet about a ringworm vaccine known as Fel-O-Vax MC-K made by Fort Dodge. It still may or may not be available.
