Treatment Options For Ringworm In Cats
Ringworm is an infection of the skin that may also affect the hair and the nails. The condition occurs
in animals like cats and dogs as well as humans. The condition is characterized by red circular lesions
in which the centers are hairless and blemish free. The appearance of the lesion, which looks as if
a worm has burrowed its way into the skin and curled up, has given rise to the name, although it is
actually caused by a fungus.
While ringworm isn’t quite a health hazard, there is a risk that the lesions may become infected, and
of course there is also the possibility that it will be passed on to other animals and even humans.
This is why it is tremendously important to treat any cases of ringworm in cats once it has been diagnosed.
Most healthy cats that have ringworm will actually be cured of the infection within 2 to 4 months even
without treatment. Even so, the highly contagious nature of the infection necessitates immediate medical
intervention in order to prevent the condition from spreading or getting worse. In order to treat ringworm
in cats, a number of steps will have to be taken.
The first step of treatment involves getting rid of any fleas and mites on your cat. This is because
these pests can cause wounds in the skin–either on their own or because of scratching–leaving the cat
prone to ringworm infection.
Your vet may also prescribe the application of Itrafungol, which may last for three weeks, with alternating
one-week spells of application and abstinence.
Aside from Itrafungol, your vet may also prescribe Terbinafine, which
may be administered for two to six weeks. In addition, Lufenuron may also be used to prevent the spread
of dermatophytes.
Ringworm treatment often also involves topical therapy, which requires washing the cat with shampoo
containing lime and sulfur. This combination has been shown to be particularly effective in treating
ringworm in cats.
Long-haired cats that undergo topical therapy may be clipped in order to increase the effectiveness
of the medication. You do have to make sure that your cat refrains from licking his fur while the shampoo
has yet to dry, since these medications can cause your cat to vomit.
When applying such medications, you may notice your cat’s coat turning yellow. Do not be alarmed when
this happens, as this is a natural reaction to the lime sulfur in the shampoo. In any case, your cat’s
fur should fully return to its natural color after a few months.
Ringworm treatment actually begins with prevention, and you should make sure that any new cat you take
into your home is free from ringworm before letting it come in contact with your other pets.