Ringworm occurs occasionally in pets and it is not actually
caused by a worm, but a fungus, and the lesion is not always shaped like a
ring. Fungus is everywhere, and so it isn’t easy to figure which pets will
develop Ringworm. Some dogs and cats are carriers of Ringworm and they can
transmit the disease to other animals and people. Ringworm is more common in
young animals and those with weakened immune systems (for example-FeLV).
Ringworm can be transmitted to people, but just because a pet has Ringworm
does not mean they will automatically transfer it to a human.
Fungi of Significance in Ringworm
Microsporum canis - Source is typically
cats, most often long-hair cats. Microsporum gypseum - This type of Ringworm
typically is from dogs and cats that dig into contaminated soil.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes - Infects dogs and cats that are exposed to
rodents or borrows where rodents live.
Which of these 3 types of
Ringworm occur depends on the animal and their geographic location.
Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs and Cats
Skin lesions that show up when
Ringworm is present do not always look like a ring. Hair loss in small
patches occurs, and these patches will disappear and reappear on different
parts of the body. It is important to know that the diagnosis of Ringworm
cannot be made simply from the lesion. These symptoms may be due to other
diseases or allergies.
Ringworm Diagnosis in Animals
All Ringworm
diagnosis requires testing. If a human has been diagnosed with Ringworm, it
is possible they contracted it from their pet, even if the pet is without
symptoms. This is especially true for multiple cat households. One way
Ringworm is diagnosed is with a Woods lamp aka a black light. Species will
fluoresce if present. Hair is then cultured and sent to a lab to determine
if the fungus is present or not.
Treatment for Ringworm
A
special shampoo is used to treat ringworms, and it isn’t uncommon for pet’s
hair to be clipped. Anti fungal creams are also used, especially in areas
where there is little hair growth. Some of these medications include
Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Chlorhexidene and Ketoconazole. Oral anti-fungal
medications are also used at times, but it is important to know the
potential side effects when giving the animal chemical based medications.
If you’re looking for a natural treatment that is both safe and
effective,
Nature’s Defender with 100% natural cedar oil treats ringworm,
infections, would, lacerations, lesions, rain rot and more. This product can
also be used as a dipping solution to eliminate fleas, mites and help other
skin problems. Natur’s Defender replaces toxic chemicals and does not have
negative side effects. In some animals, Ringworm will resolve itself on its
own, but it should be treated at the first sign of infection.
“A
four month old kitten had a severe skin condition that was diagnosed as
ringworm. After four months of conventional therapy, the resistant ringworm
infection was not resolved. We put the kitten on Transfer Factor and within
5 days there were no apparent ringworm lesions remaining. Within a few weeks
all the hair had grown back – and the now 9 month old cat has a beautiful,
glossy coat. The ringworm lesions have not returned.”? Sam Jones, DVM
If you happen to have Goldenseal Tincture at home, you could try this
easy recipe as well.
It is nearly impossible to prevent exposure to
Ringworm. Routine hygiene such as frequent hand washing and keeping your
pets clean will help to combat the problems. Keeping your pet healthy will
enable them to have a strong immune system, which in turn will enable them
to fight disease more effectively.
My name is Bree Weasner, and I’ve been bringing pet owners like you
valuable information on pet nutrition and natural holistic alternatives to
conventional pet care since 2001.