3 Easy Steps to Treat Cat Ringworm: Get Relief Fast! 快
Ringworm, a common fungal skin disease, can be quite pesky not only for your feline friend but also has the potential to spread to other pets and family members. If your cat has contracted ringworm, showing symptoms like hair loss, dandruff, and itchy skin, take a deep breath. This article will guide you through three straightforward steps to treat ringworm, helping you and your beloved pet overcome this nuisance.
Diagnosing Ringworm in Cats
Ringworm is typically caused by fungi such as Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton verrucosum. The primary symptoms include:
• Hair Loss: The affected area will experience significant hair loss or weakened hair that breaks easily, forming circular or irregular bald spots.
• Red Plaques and Dandruff: Red patches may appear on the skin, accompanied by white or gray scales.
• Itching: The infected area can become very itchy, prompting your cat to excessively scratch, lick, or chew at the affected spots.
How to Diagnose:
• Use a Wood's lamp to shine on the bald areas of your cat. If a fluorescent green reaction is observed on the skin, it's a strong indication of ringworm;
• Visit a veterinary clinic for a hair pluck test or skin fungal culture to directly identify the pathogen.
Treating Ringworm in Cats
1. Local Treatment
• Shave the Area: Begin by shaving the hair around the infected area to make it easier to apply ointments and prevent the spread of the fungus.
• Ointment: Disinfect the area with iodine and then apply antifungal ointments such as Daktarin (Clotrimazole Betamethasone Ointment), clotrimazole, or miconazole, twice or thrice a day. For larger infections, Pipette (Tebuconazole Hydrochloride Spray) can be more convenient.
• Bathing: For extensive infections, use antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole, such as weekly 12 times.
2. Systemic Treatment
• Oral Medication: For severe cases, oral antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine may be necessary. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage based on your cat's condition. If you cannot see a vet, you can refer to a dosage of 510mg/kg for itraconazole, but be cautious as kittens, pregnant queens, and cats with liver disease should not take itraconazole to avoid liver toxicity or other adverse effects.
• Treatment Course: Fungal infections can be stubborn, and the treatment period is relatively long, ranging from 13 weeks to 48 weeks or even longer. It's crucial to stay on medication until the fungus is completely cleared.
3. Environmental Control
• Disinfection: Regularly clean your cat's living environment, including beds, toys, and all items that have been touched.
• Isolation: Keep the infected cat away from other pets and family members to prevent the spread of the fungus.
• Protection: Fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from licking the affected area. After handling your cat, make sure to wash your hands and disinfect.
(Recovery Case)
Preventing Ringworm Recurrence
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean your cat's belongings and living environment, ensuring good ventilation and dryness indoors.
• Deworming: Regularly deworm your cat both internally and externally to reduce the risk of parasitic infections.
• Nutritional Care: Provide a balanced diet and supplement your cat's diet with vitamins, such as Vitamin B, lecithin, and fish oil, to boost its immune system.
Ringworm may be common, but with the right treatment, it can be effectively controlled and cured. If your cat's symptoms do not improve significantly after following the above treatment, or if you have any questions, please consult a veterinarian promptly.
References:
• [1] De la Fuente J, Herranz M, Ferrer L, et al. Antifungal activity of itraconazole against dermatophytes. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1997;39(3):451454.
• [2] Tavani A, Bolognesi C, La Vecchia C, et al. Antifungal treatment of dermatophytosis in cats: a comparative study of griseofulvin and itraconazole. J Small Anim Pract. 1999;40(10):429432.
