Preventing and Treating Feline Ringworm in Spring: A Co
Ringworm in cats is one of the most common skin diseases affecting our feline friends. It manifests as an abundance of dandruff in the affected areas, often presenting with circular or elliptical patches of hair loss. If left untreated, the skin may become red, swollen, thickened, and develop scabs. Diagnosis is typically made using a Wood's lamp, although some types of ringworm may not exhibit a fluorescent green glow under this light, necessitating a skin scraping and microscopic examination for a definitive diagnosis.
How to Treat Cat Ringworm?
1. Preparation Steps
Shaving: Gently remove about 1cm of fur around the ringworm affected area to facilitate medication application and improve skin ventilation.
Disinfection: Wear disposable gloves and carefully remove any scales or crusts from the skin. If crusts are particularly adherent, avoid pulling them off forcibly. Instead, trim away a portion with scissors first, then use iodine to disinfect the area.
Apply an Elizabethan collar: This prevents the cat from licking the affected area, which can lead to the spread of the fungus to other parts of the body.
2. Regular Medication
Topical Treatment: Administer Furegon skin spray and Fungant soft cream to the cat daily to combat bacteria and promote skin healing.
Oral Medication: Provide the cat with a supplement of multivitamin B complex to boost the skin's immune response and aid in healing.
Shampooing: For widespread or severe cases, consider a weekly antifungal shampoo bath to help manage the condition.
Complementary Treatments and Preventive Measures for Cat Ringworm:
1. Environmental Disinfection
Ringworm fungi can spread throughout the home as cats move and their fur falls out. These fungi can survive for a long time in suitable environments. Therefore, it's crucial for pet owners to thoroughly disinfect the living space, including washing bedding and sofa covers and then exposing them to sunlight.
2. Nutritional Supplementation
While environmental factors contribute to cat ringworm, a lack of immunity is also a significant factor. By providing your cat with proper nutrition to enhance its immune system, you can help prevent and assist in the treatment of ringworm.
3. Hair and Skin Care
After treating severe ringworm, some cats may experience slow hair growth. Pet owners can supplement their cat's diet with nutrients like soft phospholipids and fish oil, which can help with hair and skin care, as well as promote hair growth.
When treating your cat for ringworm, it's also important for pet owners to take personal protective measures to avoid infection. For more information, refer to "What Symptoms Does Cat Ringworm Cause in Humans?" If you have any other questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert.
