Effective Treatment for Cat Leg Fungal Infection and Sw

Many cat owners, upon discovering their feline companions have contracted skin diseases, often resort to using medications like erythromycin, iodine, and gentamicin. However, after a series of treatments, the cats not only fail to recover but may even experience the spread of lesions or severe skin swelling.

Just recently, a concerned cat owner approached us with a question: "My cat's leg has developed a skin infection. Initially, it was just hair loss and skin redness, but now it's severely swollen. What should I do?"

Upon visiting a veterinarian, the owner learned that the cat had a fungal infection. Prior to this, they had been applying iodine and erythromycin ointment for several days.

Why are fungal infections not treatable with iodine and erythromycin?

Iodine is a broadspectrum antiseptic, primarily used for mucosal disinfection. It can kill some fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, but it lacks specificity against dermatophytes.

Erythromycin ointment is a broadspectrum antibiotic, mainly effective against bacterial infections, such as Grampositive and Gramnegative bacteria, and staphylococci. It offers little to no help against fungal infections.

Although iodine and erythromycin ointment may not target fungal infections, they are unlikely to worsen the condition. So, if you've already used them, there's no need to worry excessively.

What are the main reasons for cats' skin swelling?

1. The cat repeatedly licks or scratches the affected area.

2. Poor hygiene of the skin or environment, leading to secondary bacterial infections.

How to treat fungal infections on a cat's leg?

Cleaning the affected area:

Use physiological saline to wash away scales, fur, dust, and crusts from the lesion. Dry the area, then apply iodine for disinfection. Always clean the skin before applying medication to remove any residual ointment, scales, and inflammatory secretions, reducing the irritation and hyperpigmentation caused by the medication.

Antifungal treatment:

Apply Dasatin (ketokonazole and metronidazole ointment) topically twice to three times a day. Its active ingredients can simultaneously inhibit fungal and bacterial infections.

Cats over three months old can take itraconazole orally once a day, 5 to 10 mg/kg, for one week followed by a week off. It's best to take it with a liverprotecting tablet to minimize liver damage.

Antiinflammatory treatment:

Administer amoxicillinclavulanate potassium or Esomeprazole (cefadroxil tablets) once a day to suppress inflammation.

Important notes:

1. Always ensure your cat wears an Elizabethan collar or a neutering suit to prevent it from licking its leg or other fungal infection sites.

2. Provide your cat with a balanced diet and supplement with Supervet (a vitamin B complex solution) and fish oil to promote skin repair.

3. Temporarily isolate your cat and regularly clean its bed, litter box, and feeding bowls. Thoroughly disinfect the environment to maintain dryness, ventilation, and cleanliness, reducing the growth and recurrence of fungi and bacteria.

In summary, timely treatment is crucial for cats with leg fungal infections. If there's skin swelling, make sure to fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar and treat the fungal and bacterial infections accordingly. If the cat's condition doesn't improve after a period of treatment, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian again for further examination and diagnosis before proceeding with medication.