Bulldogs must contend with a variety of possible health conditions, and skin issues are a primary problem. One of the skin problems that commonly plagues bulldogs is ringworm. Ringworm commonly appears as circular lesions of hair loss and is highly contagious to humans and other animals. Bulldogs with suspected ringworm should be taken to a veterinarian for proper treatment.
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The Facts
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Ringworm is a fungus that affects the skin of a dog. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms; however, it was once believed that the condition's signature circular skin lesions were a result of a worm curling into a circle within the animal's skin. The fungus actually lives in the hair follicles and causes the hair shaft to break off at the skin line, usually resulting in a circular spot of hair loss.
Transmission
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Bulldogs acquire ringworm from either contact with another human or animal with the fungus, or through contact with an object that contains fungal spores, such as brushes or other grooming equipment. Because of the fungus' ability to survive for long periods of time in the environment, bulldogs can become infected with ringworm by touching just about anything that has had contact with the fungus. Adult bulldogs typically have immunity against ringworm. Puppies and other bulldogs that do not have fully developed immune systems are susceptible to contracting ringworm.
Symptoms
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Dogs with ringworm typically have round spots of hair loss on their bodies. The lesions might also have crusting in the center and small pustules. The lesion may start out small and grow larger and may be irritating for the bulldog. Some infections do not take on the trademark circular lesion and will actually cause hair loss that is spread across the dog's face and nose.
Diagnosis
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The most accurate way in which to diagnose ringworm, according to PetEducation.com, is through a fungal culture. With this method, a doctor will extract hairs, crust and skin that are near the lesion and place them inside a culture tube, fitted with a special medium. After a few days, a vet can be determine whether the bulldog is affected by ringworm based on the culture's results.
Treatment
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One of the easiest methods to treat ringworm is to place an anti-fungal topical cream or lotion to the affected areas. Typically, miconazole and lotrimin creams and chlorhexidene ointments are effective in treating ringworm. For deeper infections, veterinarians often prescribe an oral medication, such as griseofulvin. Griseofulvin is typically given daily for about 30 days.
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