Effective Treatment Guide: Cat Ringworm Diagnosis & Med

Dear cat parents, if you notice your feline suddenly shedding excessively, or if you spot red spots, scales, or crusts on their skin, it's a strong indication that they might be suffering from ringworm, a common fungal infection. Ringworm is one of the most prevalent skin diseases in cats, and if left untreated, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections, potentially causing pustular ringworm. So, how do you treat ringworm? Today, we delve into the diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures to avoid a recurrence of this pesky condition.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a skin disease caused by fungal infection. The most common culprit is Microsporum canis, which can cause itching, hair loss, redness, and dandruff in cats. Over time, these symptoms can develop into welldefined, circular or elliptical lesions. If not treated promptly, these lesions can spread across the body. In cases where a bacterial infection occurs, the skin may become inflamed, leading to ulcers, oozing, crusting, thickening, and hyperpigmentation.

Moreover, ringworm is highly contagious, and fungal spores can be transmitted to other pets or even humans through direct contact or contaminated items, posing a health risk to everyone in the household.

Therefore, if you suspect your cat has ringworm, it's crucial to start treatment immediately!

How is Ringworm Diagnosed?

1. Wood's Lamp Examination: Under low light conditions, use a Wood's lamp to shine on the affected area. The area infected with Microsporum canis will glow a fluorescent green.

2. Laboratory Testing: Your veterinarian can diagnose ringworm through skin scrapings, hair plucking, and skin fungal cultures. These methods are more accurate in distinguishing ringworm from other skin conditions.

How to Treat Ringworm on Cats?

●step1

Shave the Area: Prepare scissors or a petspecific clipper to remove the fur around the affected area, about 35 cm away, to expose the skin completely.

●step2

Clean and Disinfect: Use physiological saline to wash the area, removing scales and dirt to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Then, use iodine to disinfect the area, reducing the presence of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the mucous membranes.

●step3

Topical Medication: Apply a broadspectrum antifungal medication like Pipret (Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray) or Daxi Ning (Ketoconazole Compound Ointment) twice to thrice a day. Both are effective against fungal infections and are the goto treatments for ringworm.

●step4

Oral Medication: Since ringworm can also be related to a cat's weakened immune system, it's recommended to supplement with Vitamin B to boost the skin's resistance. If the symptoms are severe or the affected areas are difficult to treat topically, your cat may need to take oral medications such as Itraconazole or Terbinafine tablets.

Important Notes:

Ringworm can be transmitted to humans or other pets in the household, so it's advisable to isolate the cat during treatment and disinfect items the cat has come into contact with. When cleaning and applying medication to your cat, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Dr. Oxygen Pet's Recommendation:

Don't worry if your cat has ringworm at home! You can treat it with Pipret Skin Spray and Ketoconazole Compound Ointment. Currently, the Pipret Skin Spray is available on the Oxygen Pet Mall miniprogram for only 43.9 yuan per bottle, and the Ketoconazole Compound Ointment for just 62.9 yuan per tube, offering better prices than at brand flagship stores!