Despite its name, ringworm is not a parasite. It is a common fungus that can infect pets or people. In puppies, it is sometimes confused with demodectic mange, and you can find it on any part of your puppy's body. It is important to contact your vet immediately if you suspect your puppy has ringworm.
-
Symptoms
-
Traditionally, a puppy with ringworm will have a round or ring-like sore on its skin that is missing hair. It is common for the spot to grow larger or contain abscesses.
Diagnosis
-
There are several ways to diagnose ringworm. A common method is using a Wood's lamp, which uses a black light to make certain species of the fungus glow. For the other species that do not glow, your vet will pull a few hairs from the edge of the infection and use a microscope to identify the fungus or culture the lesions.
Treatment
-
Ringworm will clear itself up in about four months; however, if your vet chooses to treat them ringworm, keep the hair around the lesions clipped back, being careful not to disturb infected areas. Also, you will want to use an anti-fungal cream that your vet will recommend twice daily. More severe infections may require anti-fungal dips every other day or an oral antibiotic.
Who is Susceptible?
-
Ringworm can affect cats and dogs. Most pets will be fine if they are exposed to an infected pet; however, those with a lowered immune system are at higher risk of transmission, so caution is always best.
Avoiding Further Transmission
-
Ringworm spreads easily from animal to animal. Your other pets can contract ringworm by touching the infected area or something that area has come in contact with. You should clean all pet supplies that come in contact with your infected pet before using them on other animals. Also, if other pets have a lowered immune system, you will want to isolate the infected puppy to avoid possible contraction.
-