Ultimate保姆级猫癣治疗指南：用药与注意事项

One of the most frustrating issues pet owners face after bringing a cat into their home is undoubtedly ringworm. Although it's not lifethreatening, its high incidence, strong contagiousness, rapid spread, and lengthy treatment period can be quite unsettling. Often, before we even realize it, our furry friends may have lost a significant amount of fur.

Ringworm not only causes cats to lose hair, experience skin itching, and form scabs, but if left untreated, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections and dermatitis (pustular ringworm) when the cat licks or scratches the affected skin. To help our feline companions recover quickly, today we'll delve into the methods, medications, and precautions for treating fungal ringworm, making it easier for you to tackle this challenge.

Part 1: Understanding Fungal Ringworm

Fungal ringworm is a skin condition caused by fungal infection, commonly found in cats. It is contagious and can be transmitted to other animals or humans through contact. Fungi thrive in moist, warm environments, making the ears, face, and limbs of cats particularly susceptible to infection.

• Symptoms of ringworm: Itching, hair loss, and the formation of circular or irregularly shaped bald patches with clear boundaries. The affected skin may also show redness, dandruff, and scabs.

• Modes of transmission: Direct contact with infected animals or contaminated items.

Part 2: Diagnosing Ringworm

1. Wood's Lamp Examination: Use a Wood's lamp (a type of ultraviolet light) to照射 the suspected infected area. Some fungi will emit a green fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

2. Skin Scraping Examination: Gently scrape some skin debris from the affected area and observe it under a microscope to check for the presence of fungi.

3. Laboratory Testing: Place the sample on a special culture medium and observe for fungal growth.

Part 3: Treating Fungal Ringworm

1. Local Treatment

Targeting the infected areas, local treatment can alleviate symptoms and control the condition. Here are several common local treatment methods:

（1）Antifungal Medications: Products like Pifnaf (Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray), Dastanin (Ketoconazole Compound Ointment), Clotrimazole Ointment, and Miconazole Ointment can be directly applied to the affected area twice a day.

（2）Dipping: Use antifungal medications containing ketoconazole for dipping baths to help with systemic treatment. Typically, this should be done once or twice a week for 1015 minutes each time.

2. Oral Medications

For severe or widespread cases of ringworm, oral antifungal medications such as Itraconazole, Griseofulvin, and Terbinafine Hydrochloride are necessary.

Among these, Itraconazole is widely used, with a dosage of 510mg/kg, taken once a day.

3. Cleaning and Disinfection

Regularly use petspecific disinfectants to clean your home, especially areas where your cat frequently spends time, to maintain a clean and dry living environment.

4. Nutritional Support

Strengthen your cat's nutrition and immunity to aid in recovery. Here are some suggestions:

（1）Choose highquality cat food to ensure your cat receives adequate nutrition.

（2）Supplement with vitamins and minerals, such as Adevit (Vitamin B Complex Solution), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and more.

（3）Feed your cat two egg yolks per week to supplement lecithin.

（4）Give your cat petspecific fish oil to supplement unsaturated fatty acids, which can help with antiinflammatory, hair beauty, and skin repair.

Part 4: Medication Precautions

1. Before applying topical medications, first shave the ringworm area and the surrounding fur, then soften and remove any scabs or scales with saline solution to ensure the medication can penetrate the skin effectively.

2. Be sure to administer the medication as prescribed, and do not adjust the dosage arbitrarily.

3. Be aware of potential side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions, and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.

4. Ensure that topical antifungal sprays or ointments are not licked by the cat. After application, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the cat from licking, and avoid applying the medication to the cat's eyes, mouth, nose, or other mucous membranes.

Ringworm can be stubborn, so treating fungal ringworm requires patience and attention from pet owners. However, the treatment methods are not difficult, and as long as you catch it early, treat it promptly, and take preventive measures, you can rest assured that your cat will soon be free from the烦恼 of ringworm and return to a happy life.