K-9 ringworm is a type of skin infection that occurs in dogs. Although its name suggests the infection occurs from a parasite or worm, K-9 ringworm is actually a fungus.
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Spreads
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The dermatophyte fungi that cause K-9 ringworm can survive in the environment for years as spores, which can become attached to dogs outside, Mar Vista Animal Medical Center states. Dogs may also pass the condition to one another, or dogs may catch the condition from infected cats.
Symptoms
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The most common symptom of K-9 ringworm is a circular patch of missing fur on a dog's face, legs, feet or tail, PetEducation.com explains. The skin in the area is usually scaly and may have small bumps or pustules across its surface.
Diagnosis
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About 50 percent of the varieties of dematophyte fungi that cause K-9 infections are diagnosable with the use of a black light called a Wood's lamp, reports PetEducation.com, while between 40 percent to 70 percent of infections are detectable by studying a hair sample. In most cases, veterinarians can take a sample of the skin in the affected area and use it to diagnose the condition.
Treatment
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Veterinarians often prescribe oral medications like griseofulvin or itraconazole for the treatment of K-9 ringworm, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Another possible treatment is a prescription topical lime fungal dip.
Considerations
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K-9 ringworm can also affect humans, particularly in people who have compromised immune systems due to conditions like HIV, Mar Vista Animal Medical Center explains.
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