Ringworm
Source: vcacanada.com
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the superficial layers of the skin, hair, and nails.
The name comes from the classical appearance of the round, red, raised 'ring' marking the boundary of inflammatory lesions in people infected with the disease.
The common name of ringworm is somewhat misleading, in that it is not an infection caused by a worm, and the infected areas are not always ring-shaped. The fungi responsible for ringworm infections belong to a specialized group known as dermatophytes, so the medical name for this disease is dermatophytosis
In dogs and cats, ringworm lesions usually appear as areas of hair loss (alopecia) that are roughly circular. As these circular lesions enlarge, the central area heals and hair may begin to regrow in the middle of the lesion. The affected hair shafts are fragile and easily broken. These lesions are not usually itchy, but sometimes they become inflamed and develop a scabby covering. In most cases, there are several patches of alopecia scattered throughout the body. Occasionally fungal infection of the nails (onychomycosis) may occur. The claws become rough, brittle, and broken.
Some dogs and cats may have ringworm fungi present in their hair or skin without showing any clinical signs of disease. These dogs can spread ringworm to other animals or people despite having no obvious skin lesions, and are called ‘asymptomatic carriers'. Asymptomatic carriers are especially problematic in multi-animal environments such as animal shelters or kennels as they can spread the ringworm fungi to many other animals and people while showing no clinical signs.
How is ringworm transmitted?
Ringworm is contagious and transmission occurs by direct contact with the fungus. It may be passed by direct contact with an infected animal or person, or by handling contaminated objects or touching contaminated surfaces
How long does it take for the lesions to appear?
The incubation period between exposure to ringworm fungus and the development of ringworm lesions usually ranges from seven to fourteen days; some cases may take up to 21 days before signs of infection develop.
Will my dog/cat recover from ringworm?
The vast majority of dogs, if treated appropriately, will recover from a ringworm infection. Symptoms may recur if the treatment is discontinued too early or is not aggressive enough (i.e., only topical treatment was used), or if the pet has an underlying disease compromising the immune system. Occasionally symptoms recur because the dog is a carrier of ringworm.
What is the risk to humans?
Ringworm can be transmitted quite easily to humans, especially young children, and it is important to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to the fungus while the dog is being treated
Treatment
1. Oral therapy
For ‘severe’ infections, and multipet households, then effective treatment will require administration of an oral anti-fungal drug. The most widely used drug for this purpose is griseofulvin, although newer drugs such as itraconazole or terbinafine (Lamasil) are being used more frequently and are often preferred since they have fewer side effects. The response of individual dogs to treatment varies and if therapy is stopped too soon, the disease may recur. Usually treatment lasts for a minimum of six weeks, and in some cases much longer therapy is required.
2. Environmental cleaning
In addition to minimizing direct contact with an infected dog, it is also important to keep the environment as free of spores as possible. Clipping the hair (with its careful disposal) combined with topical antifungal treatment of affected areas of skin may help to reduce environmental contamination. It is important to remove pet hair from floors or furniture as it may be contaminated with fungal spores.
3 .A ‘NEW’ Inexpensive OTC treatment- Treating Ringworm with Monistat
Monistat is a topical antifungal lotion that can help to remove ringworm infections. The active ingredients in Monistat (Miconazole) are toxic to fungi, so when you rub Monistat lotion over a ringworm lesion, it will help to remove the fungus. Monistat is recommended for use two times per day over the course of at least 6 weeks, by which time your dog or cat's lesion should be fungus free and starting to heal.