Effective Medication for Feline Ringworm: Erticonazole'

Many cat owners fail to pay adequate attention to their feline companions, which often leads to delayed detection and proper treatment when cats contract ringworm. By the time the condition is diagnosed, the illness has usually become quite severe. This makes relying solely on topical medications for treatment often less than satisfactory.

So, what should you do when dealing with a cat suffering from a widespread and severe case of ringworm? Which oral medications are typically recommended? Today, we'll delve into this topic and provide you with a comprehensive guide.

What Medication Should Cats Take for Ringworm?

The treatment for ringworm in cats usually involves a combination of oral medications, topical treatments, and medicated baths. Among oral medications, it is generally recommended to start with Itraconazole.

In clinical settings, several oral antifungal drugs can be used to treat fungal infections, including Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Terbinafine, and Griseofulvin. Itraconazole is preferred due to its strong efficacy and relatively fewer side effects compared to broaderspectrum antifungal drugs like Ketoconazole and Griseofulvin, earning it the reputation of being the "miracle drug" for treating ringworm.

However, while Itraconazole has fewer side effects, it is not entirely without risk. The drug is metabolized primarily by the liver, and longterm use can potentially damage the liver. Improper dosing may also lead to toxicity.

Here are some important considerations when administering Itraconazole to your cat:

1. Itraconazole should not be used in kittens under three months of age or pregnant cats;

2. Cats with preexisting liver conditions should not be given the medication;

3. Medication should be taken strictly according to the veterinarian's instructions, and it is forbidden to increase the dose or extend the duration of treatment without medical advice;

4. If possible, monitor liver function regularly. If liver enzymes rise or signs of congestive heart failure appear, the medication should be discontinued immediately.

Itraconazole Dosage:

★For kittens aged 3 to 6 months: 5mg/kg, once daily.

★For cats over 6 months: 10mg/kg, once daily.

To minimize liver damage caused by Itraconazole, it is recommended to take a break for one week after a week of treatment (at least 4 to 5 days), and repeat this cycle for 2 to 3 weeks.

Typically, you should see significant improvement after one week of treatment. Once the skin condition improves, you can consider stopping the medication and continue with medicated baths or skin sprays for a while to reinforce the healing process.

How to Treat Ringworm in Cats: A StepbyStep Guide

For cats with severe ringworm infections, follow these treatment steps:

1. Trim the fur around the affected areas to expose the skin;

2. Use iodine to disinfect the area, removing scales and crusts. If your cat is cooperative, you can use a 2 to 4% lime sulfur solution for bathing, once or twice a week;

3. After cleaning the skin, apply Pipute (Terbinafine hydrochloride spray) topically to inhibit fungal activity and promote healing, twice or thrice daily;

4. Administer Itraconazole according to the prescribed dosage, and also feed the cat Shivibi (a vitamin B complex solution) to boost its immune system;

5. Fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from licking the affected skin and spreading the fungus to other areas;

6. Regularly disinfect your cat's daily items and living environment, maintain good ventilation and dryness indoors, and ensure your cat gets plenty of sunlight.

Lastly, for cats with mild ringworm infections, topical treatments are usually sufficient. It's best to avoid oral medications, especially for kittens. When treating ringworm in young cats, opt for gentler and safer methods, even if it takes longer. Patience is key, and with time, the condition can be effectively managed.