A feline ringworm. What is this disease and how to treat it?

Some diseases that domestic animals suffer can be dangerous not only for pets, but also for people. An example of such an insidious disease can serve as a feline ringworm.

This disease is contagious, it is caused by fungi of two varieties. In the case of infection with fungi of the Trichophyton species, Trichophytosis develops, and in the case of microsporium lesions, microsporia develops. It should be noted that the symptoms of these varieties of the disease are practically the same, therefore information about the nature of the infection is important only for the specialist who chooses the treatment.

How to recognize a feline ringworm? The first symptom of this disease is a rash on the skin. Moreover, the area of damage increases with time, and crusts appear on the surface of the skin. After a while after infection, the foci of alopecia (baldness) appear in the animal. These "bald spots", as a rule, have distinct edges and a rounded shape. The skin in place of the fallen hair is covered with crusts and oily skin scales. The main lesions are the ears, muzzle and paws of the animal. Most often, the cat's lish is accompanied by itching, that is, the animal will constantly comb the sore spots. However, this symptom is not always present, so it is not necessary to focus on the absence of itching.

Of course, to establish that the animal can only be deprived of a vet. Laboratory diagnosis of skin scrapings and luminescent diagnostics are used to make the diagnosis. The fact is that some other skin diseases can be accompanied by similar symptoms.

Where can a cat get infected? Most often, infection occurs during contact with a sick animal, which can happen on a walk. Moreover, the carrier may not be a stray cat, but a representative of a detachment of rodents. But even pets that never go out are not 100% protected from infection. The fact is that spores of the fungus can get together with the dust brought on the shoes. Of course, the risk of getting sick in a pet is much less, but it can not be completely ruled out.

In any case, having suspected that the cat has lichen, you need to try to isolate the animal, since this disease is extremely contagious, especially at great risk to children. Therefore, at the first suspicion of infection, immediately carry the cat into the vet clinic.

There is a misconception that cats can not be cured and the animal will have to be put to sleep. In fact, this is not the case, however, one must remember that the earlier the treatment is started from the moment of infection, the greater the chances that the disease will be able to be defeated. But even in neglected cases, you should not give up, just treatment can be more serious and lasting.

It is not necessary to decide the question of how to cure the deprivation of a cat, relying on the advice of friends. It is necessary to understand that the disease is serious enough, therefore it is necessary that the treatment be prescribed by a specialist after carrying out the necessary tests.

As a rule, deprivation treatment in cats is carried out with the help of specific antimycotic preparations, which are selected taking into account the type of fungus that provoked the disease. In addition, antiseptic drugs for external treatment of affected areas and immunostimulating substances are prescribed.

It is mandatory to disinfect the premises containing a sick cat, and if there are other animals in the house, then they can be prescribed preventive treatment. When caring for a sick cat, you must carefully observe personal hygiene and regularly disinfect the animal care items.

Never discontinue treatment at your own discretion. Even if it seems to you that the animal is already quite healthy, be sure to bring the course appointed by the veterinarian to the end! Termination of treatment is possible only if the analysis (sowing on dermatophytes) gives a negative result. Only then can we assume that the cat is completely healthy.