If you see a growth on your dog's face, you might be concerned about the cause. There are several conditions that could cause this. One of these is a fungal infection caused by ringworm, which might look serious but is treatable. If you notice a growth on your dog's face, it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately to determine the correct cause.
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Identification
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If your dog has a growth on its face, the appearance of the growth will give you an idea of the possible underlying conditions that are causing it. A fungal infection will usually manifest as circular patches of hair loss. In more advanced cases of infection, the center of the patch might be inflamed, red and crusty. Ringworm can cause itching in some dogs, which might irritate the infected area. It can be identified over other skin conditions as it glows in the dark under ultraviolet light.
Significance
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Although ringworm is not life-threatening, if left untreated it will spread to other parts of the body and could last for up to four months. It can be a very uncomfortable condition for your dog, which might find the lesions itchy and irritating. Excessive scratching can lead to secondary issues, such as skin infections, that could be dangerous to your dog's health. Humans can also catch ringworm from animals, so it is in your best interest to get your dog treated as soon as possible to ensure the infection is not passed on to other members of the household.
Causes
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Ringworm is caused by two types of fungi: microsporum and trichophyton. These are also called dermatophytes. The name of the condition is misleading, as the skin irritation isn't actually caused by worms but by a fungal infection. The fungi are infectious and can be transmitted from infected animals or objects. According to dog information site Dog Chat, physical symptoms of ringworm start to manifest 10 to 12 days after the dog has been infected.
Prevention/Solution
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Ringworm is treated by a mixture of anti-fungal and topical medications. According to veterinarian Ron Hines, fluconozole, itraconazole and griziofulvin are common anti-fungal medicines used to treat this condition. Applying a topical iodine solution to the affected area can help clear any infections and your veterinarian might also recommend lime sulphur dips, which can be done at home or at a veterinarian's office. If a pet is diagnosed with ringworm, it's important to clean the environment thoroughly to prevent the infection spreading to other household members.
Considerations
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Ringworm is extremely contagious, so it is important to separate the infected animal from other animals and people, especially if there are puppies and young children in the house who might be more susceptible to catching the fungus. You can minimize the chance of infection spreading by confining the dog to one area of the house and washing your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with him. Dogs can carry the fungus without showing any symptoms, although they can still pass the infection on to others.
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