Ringworm--caused by a fungus, not a worm--is not uncommon in dogs and cats. It is a zoonotic infection, meaning that you can catch it from your pets and your pets can catch it from you. It can affect the hair, skin and nails of pets and people.
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Symptoms
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The only noticeable symptom of ringworm is a skin lesion, usually in a circular shape, but it does not always present. Your pet will lose hair in the area of the lesion and, over time, the lesion may go away or appear in a different place. The lesion can itch, causing your pet to scratch.
Diagnosis
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The appearance of the lesion does not necessarily mean you pet has ringworm. Demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange and other skin conditions may have a similar appearance.
You can try using a black light to determine if your pet has ringworm--about half of ringworm-causing species will be florescent under it. If your pet's skin appears florescent, you know you are dealing with ringworm. But you pet may still have ringworm even if her skin doesn't appear florescent.
Your veterinarian can take a culture to determine for certain that your pet has ringworm. He might also pluck hairs from near the lesion and examine them under a microscope.
Treatment
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Most cases of ringworm are treated with a medicated shampoo. The veterinarian may clip some of the hair away from the lesions in the areas where the pet is most heavily infected in order for the shampoo to be effective.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-fungal creams or oral anti-fungal medication.
It may also be necessary to do a lime sulfur dip if your pet has an especially persistent or widespread case. The dip has a bad odor and can cause your pet's coat to turn yellow for a short time.
In longhaired pets, it may be necessary to shave them in order for treatment to be successful.
While the pet is being treated, it is important to provide her with the optimal care to ensure her immune system is working its best. She should have nutritious food and be prevented from exposing other pets and people to the fungus.
Treatment is generally continued until the pet tests negative in two separate cultures, taken at least a week apart.
Environment
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If your pet has ringworm, you must also treat your home in order to prevent re-infection.
The fungus that causes ringworm can travel in the air, so vacuuming and damp mopping are recommended. HVAC ducts and furnaces should be professionally cleaned and carpets should be steam cleaned. For surfaces, dilute one part bleach in 10 parts water and clean. Leave it on surfaces for 10 minutes to kill most of the fungus. Carriers, cages, bedding and other areas frequented by the cat should be cleaned with bleach.
In Humans
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Ringworm in humans is very similar to the infection in pets. You will notice an itchy, red, scaly patch on your skin that may ooze or blister. Physicians diagnose ringworm in people generally based upon the appearance of the lesion or by using a black light. In some instances, the physician may take a skin scraping. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, powders or lotions are usually used as treatment.
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