ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection and is more common in cats than in dogs. ”Ringworm takes its name from its classic appearance: a spreading circle of hair loss with scaly skin at the center and a red ring at the periphery. Note, however, that many cases of circular hair loss thought to be ringworm are actually localized demodectic mange or hair follicle infection.” [1] “Ringworm mimics many other skin diseases, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.” [1]
“Ringworm is transmitted by spores in the soil and by contact with the infected hair of dogs and cats, typically found on carpets, brushes, combs, toys, and furniture. Humans can acquire ringworm from pets, and vice versa.” [1]
dvm360 Dr. Anthea Schick
dvm360 Dr. Anthea Schick
Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats
Symptoms affecting your cats can include a collection of dead skin cells.
This cell collection can lead to: dandruff (scales); poor hair coat with irritated and reddened skin (erythema); darkened skin (hyperpigmentation); itchiness (pruritus); and hair loss (alopecia), which may be patchy or circular. The classic sign of circular hair loss is most commonly seen in cats.
Some other symptoms of Ringworm are raised, rounded, knotty (nodular) lesions known as granulomatous lesions, or boils. Granulomas are raised nodular lesions that frequently ooze (kerions), as a result of ringworm infection. There may also be inflammation of the the folds of skin bordering the nail and other skin and nail folds - medically referred to as paronychia.
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_dermatophytosis%20
Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs
Symptoms of ringworm in dogs often include some combination of the following:
Hair loss (alopecia), which may be patchy or circular
Broken hairs and poor hair coat
Reddened or ulcerated skin
Dandruff (scales)
Darkened skin
Crusting of the skin
Itchiness (pruritus) may or may not be present
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_dermatophytosis
“Ringworm by itself is not an itchy skin condition, but secondary bacterial infection with scabs and crusts can provoke licking and scratching. Ringworm can invade the nails. This results in nails that are dry, cracked, brittle, and deformed.” [1]
“Most dogs can be treated for ringworm on an outpatient basis, but quarantine procedures should be considered due to the contagious and zoonotic (transmissible to humans) nature of many types of ringworm. In mild cases, topical treatment may be all that is needed to speed recovery and reduce the chances that the disease will spread to other animals or people. Shaving a pet with a long coat can help topical medications reach the skin. Options include lime sulfur dips, enilconazole rinses, and miconazole shampoos.”
“For more severe cases, a veterinarian will also prescribe oral anti-fungal drugs like itraconazole, griseofulvin, fluconazole, terbinafine, or ketoconazole. Treatment often must continue for several months and should not be stopped until followup diagnostic testing shows that the dog is free of ringworm. If an underlying condition (e.g., malnutrition, administration of immunosuppressive drugs, etc.) is thought to be playing a role in the dog’s development of ringworm, it should be addressed as well.” https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_dermatophytosis?page=show
“Ringworm spores can survive for up to one year and should be eliminated from the environment. Discard the dog’s bedding. Sterilize grooming equipment in a 1:10 dilution of bleach. Vacuum the carpets at least weekly to remove infected hair. Mop and wash hard surfaces (floors, countertops, dog runs) using diluted bleach.” [1]