DERMATOPHYTOSIS
(Ringworm)

General Information:

Dermatophytosis is a fungal skin disease commonly called ringworm. The fungus lives on the skin surface in dead skin cells. As the fungus grows, it often spreads outward in a circular pattern; hence, the name ringworm.

Fungi can be found in soil and on animals and people. Your pet may acquire a fungal infection from any of these sources and may pass the infection along to other animals or people.

Fungal infections first appear as one or more small areas of hair loss that may be reddened or inflamed. As infection progresses, crusts form on the area of hair loss, the patches increase in number and size, and large portions of skin may become involved.

Some normal-appearing animals may be carriers of the disease.

Treatment Information:

  1. Clipping:
    Local or total-body clipping may be necessary in long-haired animals. This will facilitate topical medication application.

  2. Medications:
    Treatments include topical creams and lotions, oral medications, and dip solutions. The type of medication used often depends on the severity of disease. The treatment may be lengthy-- it sometimes requires 6 to 12 weeks of therapy to totally rid your pet of this unwanted organism.

  3. Handle your pet as little as possible for six to eight weeks. Exposure of other animals to your pet should also be avoided if possible. Wash your hands after handling your pet.

Prevention:

There is now a vaccine available that will help in the prevention of feline dermatophytosis. Please contact your veterinarian's office if you are interested and would like to know more about this product.

We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your veterinarian's office, or feel free to e-mail us.

David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC

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