AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to FacebookFacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterTwitterShare to PinterestPinterestPinterestShare to MoreAddThisMore29
A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about the variety of different worms that affect pets and their treatment. A day or two later I received a phone call from one of our regular customers who wanted to let me know that although he appreciated my informative blog which discussed roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms, he was not too happy that I left out ringworms. I paused for a few seconds and proceeded to explain to our loyal customer that the term “ringworm” is not a parasitic worm at all, but is actually caused by a fungal infection. The fungi live in the follicles and generally create a circular area that does not have hair growing in it; the infection typically looks like a small red, sometimes itchy “ring.”
Ringworm infection is spread from animal to animal, and can even be spread from animal to human by contact with the infected area. tools used for grooming, bedding, and hair brushes can be a huge source of pet-to-pet transmission. It is interesting to note that some animals and some humans do come into contact with the infection but do not come down with the ringworm disease. At higher risk are animals with a weakened immune system, the very young or very old pets, or if the condition of the skin is especially conducive to fungal growth. This type of fungal infection thrives in a warm, dark, and moist environment.
In very healthy dogs that have a small area of infection, treatment may consist of a few weeks of twice daily application of an over-the-counter topical antifungal medication such as clotrimazole or miconazole, as well as cleaning the area with Malaseb shampoo. treatment with the antifungal medication generally should continue for at least a full 10-day course to prevent re-infection or resistance. exposed pets that still have not come down with symptoms of ringworm infection may benefit from a bath with an antifungal shampoo. Leaving the lather on for about 5 minutes will be helpful in treating and helping get the spores off the hair.
In certain cases, the veterinarian may want to prescribe an oral antifungal medication for more severe infections or when the pet’s immune system is compromised for some reason. Oral antifungal medications include Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole and Itraconazole. all of these medications carry pretty severe side-effects because they usually have to be given for months at a time, and some of them can be tough on the liver.
It is very difficult to prevent ringworm infection in pets. just being around other dogs, at the groomers, at the boarding facility, at the dog park, all of these are just a sample of the conditions that put your pet at risk. The spores can quickly spread throughout the whole house and also infect humans. cleaning the exposed areas and bedding with bleach may offer some help to prevent the continuous cycle of re-infection from pet to pet to human etc.