Finding the proper treatment for feline skin fungus is often trial and error. Feline fungal disease may occur as an obvious skin lesion, or as a secondary condition because of an injury. Open wounds allow skin surface fungi to penetrate your cat's system, becoming systemic. Recognizing the initial symptoms gives cat parents an advantage towards treatment.
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Feline Fungal Infection Defined
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Fungi are a large family of organisms that live in soil or organic medium. Often spread by spores, fungal disease falls into two categories. The fungi that affect the dermis or mucous membranes, and a systemic fungal infection, which starts on the skin and gains entry through an open wound. A systemic fungal infection spreads internally and can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, lungs and other organs. Feline skin fungus is difficult to diagnose, and your veterinarian may conduct a battery of tests including biopsies, X-rays, fungal cultures and blood tests. Treatments for feline fungal disease can be experimental with a variety of products administered until the condition shows improvement. The reason for such experimentation is because different fungi are resistant to certain treatments.
Ringworm Fungus Infection
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Contrary to what the name implies, ringworm is not caused by worms but is a fungal infection. Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is recognized as a round red patch with clear skin in the center. Feline ringworm is zoonotic, or highly contagious between animals and humans. To diagnose, your veterinarian takes a skin culture to examine. A special light, called a Woods lamp, is used to determine the extent of infection. The level of the infection determines the treatment path. Mild cases may require a topical ointment, while a lime-sulfur dip may be necessary for more advanced cases. Your vet also may suggest an oral medication, called itraconazole. After three weeks, your veterinarian will retest your cat to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.
Common Fungal Infection
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Cryptococcosis is a common type of fungal infection that affects your cat's skin and fur. Cryptococcosis disease is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungal infection has a predilection for young adult cats. Cryptococcosis is contracted by inhaling spores; symptoms include sniffles, sneezing and a mucoid, possibly bloody, nasal discharge. Nasal polyps are often present and may be visible in the nose. This infection can cause fatal meningitis, with neurological dysfunction and seizures. Ocular damage, such as blindness, may occur. Your veterinarian is likely to try a variety of treatments for a Cryptococcus neoformans fungus including prescription topical ointments, powders, sprays and antibiotics. An over-the-counter anti-fungal shampoo is an option for mild cases.
Feline Skin Fungus From Feces
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Especially nitrogen-rich soil enhances the growth of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasmosis is a condition caused by inhaling the fungus spores found on bat and bird feces. Histoplasmosis affects the liver, ocular function, respiratory system, and causes skin lesions. Cutaneous lesions are reported as nodular, ulcerated and exuding serosanguineous fluid. In most cases, histoplasmosis causes fever, appetite loss, lethargy, body weakness and debilitation. An accurate blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis and ultrasonographic or radiographic examination is used to divulge histoplasmosis. Treatment depends on inoculum, ingestion level and your cat's immune system health. Treatment duration varies and most patients are treated with antifungal drugs for four to six months. After treatment, your cat should be reexamined at monthly intervals.
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