Identifying Cat Ringworm: Distinguishing Scabs on a Kit

As a veterinary dermatologist, I encounter a myriad of cases every day, with skin diseases being one of the most common issues. Cats, in particular, can suffer from a variety of skin problems, and ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis or fungal infection, is a particularly prevalent disease. Not only does it compromise a cat's health, but it can also be transmitted to humans. Therefore, when pet owners notice scabs on their feline companions, it becomes crucial to promptly assess whether these are indicative of ringworm.

Firstly, it's essential to familiarize ourselves with the basic symptoms of ringworm.

Ringworm is caused by a fungus called Microsporum canis and typically affects a cat's head, ears, and tail. In the early stages of infection, you might notice mild redness or hair loss. As the condition progresses, these areas can develop circular or irregularly shaped lesions, accompanied by slight itching. Sometimes, the skin around these lesions may become red, crusty, and covered with grayish scales, with broken hairs at the edges.

However, it's not easy to diagnose ringworm just by looking at the skin, as other skin conditions can also present similar symptoms. Conditions like flea allergic dermatitis, eczema, and bacterial infections can all lead to scab formation.

To confirm a diagnosis of ringworm, we need to conduct some professional examinations.

Step 1: Wood's Lamp Examination

This is a quick and simple diagnostic method for ringworm. By using a Wood's lamp to illuminate the suspected affected areas in a dimly lit environment, if the skin emits a green fluorescence, it suggests a high likelihood of ringworm.

At this point, you can use iodine to soften and remove the scales and crusts from the skin, then apply a product like Pipette (Lamisil spray) or Daktarin (Ketoconazole cream). If the infection is widespread, oral itraconazole may be necessary. However, it's important to note that not all ringworm cases will produce a fluorescence, so this test should only be considered as an initial screening tool. If the cat's condition does not improve after using antifungal medications, it's necessary to visit a veterinary hospital for further examination.

Step 2: Skin Scrape Microscopic Examination

This method involves scraping the skin debris from the affected area or plucking a few hairs from the impacted regions, then examining them under a microscope for the presence of spores of the fungus. While this process is more complex, it offers a high level of accuracy.

Lastly, if the above methods still do not provide a definitive diagnosis, fungal culturing can be employed.

This method requires placing the sample on a suitable culture medium for fungal growth and observing over several days to weeks for the appearance of Microsporum canis. Although this method is timeconsuming, it provides the most accurate diagnostic results.

In summary, when a cat develops scabs, we cannot jump to the conclusion that it's ringworm. The right approach is to take the cat to a veterinary clinic for a comprehensive examination as soon as possible, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, to prevent the spread of the disease, it's important to immediately clean and disinfect the home environment thoroughly and isolate the affected cat until it has fully recovered.