Ringworm in cats: what it looks like, how to treat it and photos of the first signs of the disease

An infectious disease such as ringworm is caused by various types of fungi, most often of the Microsporum or Trichophyton genus.

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The disease manifests itself in the form of pinkish, scaly, rounded spots on the skin. The incubation period is one to two weeks from the moment of infection.

What is ringworm in cats and what does it look like?

This disease is the collective name for fungal infections that mainly affect the pet’s skin and, less commonly, the claws. Moreover, it does not matter whether the animal goes outside or is completely domestic. The disease is transmitted by trichophyte and dermatophyte fungi, which is why lichen is also called microsporia, trichophytosis or dermatophytosis.

Lichen spores can only be examined under a microscope; they can be transmitted through the air and settle on clothing and any surfaces. Therefore, close contact with the carrier of the disease is not necessary - an animal can get sick if it rubs against its owner’s clothes or lies on the grass where a sick cat was previously sitting.

Tiny spores can remain for a long time in the grass and on the ground, furniture, carpet or clothing. They retain good viability for almost 2 years, and when exposed to favorable conditions (warmth and high humidity), they begin to actively reproduce and cause disease.

In order to detect the disease in time at the initial stage, you need to know what the sick animal looks like. The main symptom of lichen is breaking off and loss of hair on the affected areas of the skin. Bald and flaky pink spots on the skin resemble those cut with a clipper, which is how the disease got its name.

The following animals are most often susceptible to deprivation:

• small kittens;
• young individuals up to 1 year of age;
• adults whose immunity is weakened due to an inadequate diet and lack of nutrients;
• long-haired breeds;
• cats with malignant processes in the body.

Diagnostic methods

The visual differences between the external manifestations of different types of lichen are so blurred that it would be very presumptuous to talk about the possibility of independently establishing an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, if the presence of bald spots, redness, inflamed and flaky areas of skin is observed in a yard cat, you should stay away from it, but when it comes to a pet, it needs to be urgently shown to a specialist.

There are three main ways to diagnose lichen in pets (more serious tests may be carried out for people, but in veterinary clinics they are usually limited to the ones listed below).

Table: methods for diagnosing lichen in cats

Signs and symptoms

The incubation period of the disease is almost 3 months, so symptoms may not appear immediately. At the initial stage, it is almost impossible to recognize the first signs and determine lichen in a cat, but already at this stage the pet becomes infectious to the people and animals around it.

The main symptoms of ringworm in cats:

• deterioration in the condition of the coat is expressed in its breaking off, dullness and greasy;
• in some places bald spots appear, on which broken hairs are visible, gradually this area becomes more bare;
• bald areas become pink (less often gray-brown) and begin to become covered with scales and crusts;
• the animal loses its appetite, becomes lethargic and apathetic;
• due to constant itching, the cat begins to actively itch and bleeding scratches appear;
• when the claws are damaged, they become deformed;
• Over time, blisters may appear on the surface of the epidermis, which become covered with crusts, and if a secondary infection occurs, ulcers may appear.

The degree of damage to the skin and fur manifests itself depending on the state of health and immunity of the animal: in a healthy cat, only 1-2 spots are possible, in a weakened cat, lichen covers large areas of the body. The most commonly affected areas are the head, neck, muzzle, ears, back, tail and paws in the claw area.

Characteristic symptoms of different types of lichen

It is quite difficult to independently distinguish one type of skin lesion from another without being a specialist, but if “in the field” it is necessary to exclude the possibility of the most dangerous and contagious ringworm, you can still try to diagnose the affected cat.

For safety reasons, you have to make a preliminary diagnosis yourself

Ringworm

There are two types of this disease - trichophytosis and microsporia.

The difference between them is the type of pathogen:

• the first variant of the disease is caused by fungi of the genus Trichphyton, it is considered the most dangerous;
• the second is fungi of the genus Microcporum; this form is highly likely to result in complete recovery even without special therapy.

Cats are most often infected with Microsporum canis, but Trichphyton likes to parasitize people.

Ringworm is a highly contagious disease for both other cats and humans.

Table: distinctive features of trichophytosis and microsporia

Photo gallery: ringworm in cats and people

Trichophytosis is considered a more dangerous disease

In humans, trichophytosis develops in the form of a growing ring on the skin

With microsporia, bald spots usually have a round shape

Microsporia usually begins with a small spot

Video: microsporia in cats

Pityriasis rosea

Sometimes this disease is identified with herpes zoster, but most experts agree that we are talking about two different pathologies, although there is a version that pink zoster is caused by the herpes virus. One way or another, you cannot get infected with pityriasis rosea. However, there is an assumption that the carriers of this disease are various skin parasites, including fleas, bedbugs and lice, so you should always monitor your pet’s hygiene very carefully.

There is an assumption that fleas are carriers of pityriasis rosea

A characteristic feature of pityriasis rosea is the rapid development of the disease. Small, no more than 2 cm in diameter, pink spots of round or oval shape with clear boundaries appear on the skin. The skin at the site of the bald spot rises slightly and becomes covered with folds, as if tightened, peels off and is very itchy. There are no scales along the edges of the spots, the skin is light pink.

Pityriasis rosea begins as a small oval spot on the skin

Another distinctive feature of pityriasis rosea is that at the beginning of the disease, only one, “maternal” spot often appears, which after about a week begins to become overgrown with bald spots of smaller sizes.

In humans, pityriasis rosea looks the same as in cats

A cat’s immune system can cope with pink lichen on its own. After about a month and a half, the symptoms of the disease disappear without a trace.

Pityriasis versicolor

The yeasts that cause this type of disease are always present in the body of animals and humans. However, like the herpes virus, these microorganisms, under favorable circumstances, begin to actively develop. It has been noticed that oily skin promotes the activation of the causative agent of pityriasis versicolor. This is why, by the way, the disease occurs in people during prolonged exposure to the sun or in conditions of high humidity.

For cats suffering from seborrhea (manifested in the form of dandruff), the threat of developing this type of lichen also increases.

Pityriasis versicolor often affects cats with seborrhea

Actively multiplying, yeast fungi create a very acidic environment on the skin (lowering the pH level of the skin), as a result of which pale pink or brown spots begin to appear on it, hence the alternative name of the disease - pityriasis versicolor. Peeling in the affected areas may not occur.

Two distinctive features of the disease:

• absence of unpleasant sensations in the form of itching;
• reduction of symptoms with the onset of drier and cooler weather.

Despite the fact that pityriasis versicolor affects not only cats, but also people, the disease is not transmitted by contact.

Video: general information about pityriasis versicolor

Lichen planus

This disease is characterized by the appearance of many red blisters that can be observed on the skin and in the cat’s mouth, sometimes in the form of entire lesions merging into a single ring. There is liquid inside the bubbles, and in the center you can see a tiny depression. The disease is accompanied by severe itching. As the plaques rupture, fluid flows out of them, and dark spots with traces of scratching remain on the affected area.

Lichen planus often appears on the animal's face and in its mouth

A characteristic feature of this type of lichen is its localization. The disease primarily affects the abdomen, groin area, as well as the folds of the limbs and the area around the mouth.

Video: what is lichen planus

Ringworm

Another name for this disease is better known: eczema.

Eczema is very similar in appearance to lichen planus.

Both the nature and external manifestations of this disease are similar to lichen planus, so only a doctor can differentiate them.

The word "eczema" comes from the Greek ekzeo, which means to boil or flare up. This name emphasizes the property of plaques accompanying the disease to quickly develop and burst like water bubbles during the boiling process.

Eczema is also quite common in humans.

Interestingly, if lichen planus most often occurs in the hot summer, the development of eczema is more typical for the cold season.

Video: eczema in pets

Treatment for ringworm at home

A consultation with a veterinarian will help you find out how and how to treat ringworm in cats. After confirming the diagnosis in the laboratory and prescribing drug therapy by the doctor, the owner of the sick animal is recommended to take the following actions:

• try to isolate the sick pet from people and pets or minimize their contacts, prevent their presence on beds, sofas, etc.;
• be sure to examine all pets for signs of deprivation and take preventive measures;
• Until recovery, the cat cannot be bathed, because this will cause the spread of fungal spores throughout the body, with the exception of special medicated shampoos;
• treat the animal with gloves and do not stop treatment until complete recovery;
• improve the diet and living conditions of a sick pet to improve immunity.

Folk remedies also have a positive effect:

1. An ointment based on wood ash and pork fat or butter (mixed in equal proportions). Used to treat the source of infection. A bandage is placed on top, which helps enhance the effect and prevent the cat from licking the medicine.
2. Bathing in a solution of lime sulphide (1 tsp per 5-6 liters of warm water). The cat must be completely immersed in a container with the solution, and the diseased areas must then be moistened additionally. After the procedure, the fur should be blotted with a cotton towel or paper napkins and dried; do not allow the pet to lick itself. The method is not suitable for kittens, because... Possible side effects such as allergies, skin irritation or vomiting.
3. Treatment of diseased areas with a solution of laundry soap (you will need 10-15 g of shavings per 1 liter of water). Wet a cotton pad and use it to remove dried crusts.
4. Lubricating foci of infection with iodine or propolis 1-2 times a day. This method is contraindicated for pets with particularly delicate skin, because... burns may occur.

It is recommended to give a pregnant cat a decoction made from medicinal herbs (chain, nettle, violet, 0.5 tsp per 0.5 liter of boiling water). It is infused for 20 minutes, filtered and given to the animal 3-4 times a day.

The disadvantage of traditional methods of treatment at home is their low effectiveness, as a result of which the disease can become chronic. Therefore, for a faster positive result and complete cure, experts recommend using medications.

Clinical manifestations

Before you treat lichen in cats, you need to understand what type of lichen your pet has. Each form of skin infection has its own clinical picture.

The owner can notice the first symptoms of the disease by regularly examining the skin of a domestic cat. When lichen occurs, damage to the hair follicles occurs and clinically this is expressed in the appearance of areas of skin without hair. The owner should be alerted to sudden hair loss. With lichen, this phenomenon is most often observed in the head, neck and limbs.

Hair loss leads to baldness of the skin and the appearance of alopecia. Over time, areas of baldness become unattractive. All forms of the disease develop quite quickly; a common sign is the appearance of a small grayish or pale pink spot on the skin. The cat is bothered by itching and scratches frequently.

Ringworm

The most common ringworm is characterized by round and oval patches of baldness, with the skin flaking and scaly. The animal scratches the affected areas, which is accompanied by bleeding. Violation of the integrity of the skin leads to the penetration of bacteria and infection of skin areas. It becomes greasy, peels off greatly, and scaly and keratinized formations appear. Over time, the damage becomes lumpy with pronounced contours. Pet owners should know that ringworm is the most difficult to treat.

The pityriasis form is distinguished by the presence of a yellow-brown spot without clear boundaries with signs of inflammation. The pigmentation of the balding area of ​​skin becomes pale pink, yellowish or brown.

With pityriasis rosea, the areas of alopecia on the animal's head have a rounded shape, 1.5 - 2 cm in size. When bald spots are localized on the neck and back, their shape can be elongated. The very first lesion (maternal plaque) becomes yellowish over time. The animal is very bothered by itching.

Lichen planus is characterized by the presence of red blisters on hairless areas of the skin, as well as in the mouth. The bubbles burst when combed and cause even more irritation.

Severe itching and burning causes weeping lichen, the first sign of which is redness and the appearance of blisters.

Often, lichen takes on a hidden form and appears in the form of limited areas with broken hairs. This phenomenon is often observed in animals with a strong immune system, when the body effectively fights the dermatophyte fungus.

Treatment with drugs

Treatment of lichen is carried out comprehensively and systematically using the following anti-lichen drugs prescribed by a veterinarian:

1. Vaccines for the treatment of ringworm (trichopytosis and microsporia) - Vakderm F, Polivac TM, which are administered intramuscularly in the area of ​​the femoral muscle 1-2 times with an interval of 2 weeks. Used at the initial stage of the disease.
2. Ointments with antimycotic action. Used for local treatment.
3. Special shampoos with antifungal ingredients (Nizoral with ketoconazole, Doctor skin shampoo, Antiseptic & Antifungal vet shampoo). They are an addition to the main course of treatment, because help reduce itching, have a positive effect on the skin and speed up recovery. Before use, the area around the affected area must be shaved and treated with an antiseptic.
4. Sprays for animals (Fungin, Vakderm, Mycostop Provet). Medicines containing clotrimazole, which are applied to the affected area, the course is 1-2 weeks.

When choosing medications for complex therapy, the veterinarian takes into account several factors:

• the size and number of affected areas on the pet’s skin;
• severity of the disease and general condition of the animal;
• state of immunity.

You should know that antifungal drugs should be used in quantities of no more than 2 types and forms, so that the active ingredients do not accumulate in the animal’s body, because this can lead to toxic poisoning.

Tablets for lichen

Antifungal medications taken orally, in tablet form:

1. Griseofulvin (analogs Gricin, Fulcin, etc.). Intended for the treatment of humans, but can also be used for cats. The dosage depends on the weight of the pet - 40 mg/kg, given half or a whole tablet crushed into powder twice a day with food. The medicine has side effects (diarrhea, nausea, liver damage, lethargy) and contraindications.
2. Itraconazole (or similar drugs Irunin, Orungal, etc.). Available in tablets and capsules, for cats the dosage is ¼ tablet twice a day (for kittens - 1/8 tablet or capsule, depending on the pet’s weight 10 mg/kg). Give with food for 7 days, then another 2 weeks - every other day in the same amount. The course of treatment is from 4 to 6 weeks. Possible side effects such as nausea and decreased appetite.
3. Terbinafine (analogs Lamisil, Exifin). It is given to animals at the rate of 30 mg per kilogram of weight for 3-4 weeks, and is also used in kittens. Side effects include loss of appetite and allergic reactions due to individual intolerance.

In addition, there are drugs in the form of injections. One of them is Dermikotsid, which is an antifungal drug for the treatment of microsporia and trichophytosis. Injections are given into the thigh muscles 2-3 times with an interval of 5 days. For kittens, the dosage is 0.5 ml, for adult pets - 1-1.5 ml. The drug has side effects in the form of an individual reaction on the skin (urticaria, rash), the appearance of redness in the eyes and mucous membranes of the mouth.

Ointments

Before starting local skin treatment with gels or ointments, it is necessary to trim the hair around the diseased area and remove crusts, which will help improve contact of the medicine with the epidermis. To prevent the cat from licking the applied ointment, it is necessary to put a special collar or bandage on it.

To improve the condition of the epidermis and local antifungal action, the doctor prescribes an ointment for ringworm from the following list:

1. Clotrimazole. The gel is applied to the affected areas three times a day for up to 30 days (if necessary, longer, until complete recovery).
2. Sanoderm. A complex drug that includes a local antibiotic, an antimycotic drug and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Apply 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks (duration depends on the severity of the disease). Before using it, you should consult a veterinarian, i.e. the drug has contraindications.
3. Miconazole. A remedy for the treatment of fungal diseases in people and animals, which need to be smeared twice a day on diseased areas, the course is 1-2 months.
4. Fungin. An effective remedy in the treatment of trichophytosis and microsporia. Apply in a dosage of 0.2-0.3 ml per 1 kg of pet’s weight using a cotton pad and gently rubbing into the skin. Treatment should be carried out daily for 12-15 days.
5. Sulfuric ointment. It is a simple, cheap and most harmless way to cure skin diseases, but is effective only for minor lesions. Apply 3-4 times a day to diseased areas of the skin.
6. Ointment "Yam". It has acaricidal, fugicidal and keratolytic effects, applied in a thin layer to the skin and around the affected area (3-4 cm more) 1-2 times a day, the course of treatment is 8-10 days.

In chronic forms of lichen and severe bleeding scratches, a secondary microbial infection may occur and symptoms of purulent dermatitis may appear. In such a situation, the doctor prescribes antibiotics in the form of injections or tablets.

Treatment for ringworm takes at least 1-1.5 months. Evidence of a cat’s recovery is not the disappearance of external signs of the disease, but a negative result after testing scrapings taken from the animal’s skin (sometimes the testing procedure is carried out twice).

Is ringworm transmitted to humans?

The main danger of the disease is that lichen is contagious to humans. In this case, people can be affected in any part of the body (arms, legs, etc.), often the skin under the hair on the head. Pink spots appear with clear edges. They may be slightly raised above the skin. Hair on the spots always falls out and grows back only after the end of the course of therapy and cure.

Most often, children of preschool age, who have not yet developed immunity, and adults who have a weak immune system are infected with lichen. In people with a strong, healthy body and high immunity, fungal spores can live on the skin for quite a long time and remain in a suppressed state.

The nature of lichen and the risk group for infection with it

The main thing you need to understand is that lichen is not a diagnosis. This term refers to several skin diseases, conditionally similar in symptoms, but completely different in the causes of occurrence, methods of treatment, its duration and complexity. Let's say more: not all types of lichen are contagious.

Not all types of lichen in animals are contagious to humans

The factor that unites different diseases under the general name “lichen” is the main symptom - rashes or spots on the skin, accompanied by peeling and itching.

In cats this usually manifests itself as:

• the appearance of bald spots, usually starting from the head and, as a rule, with clear boundaries;
• redness of the skin in exposed areas and the appearance of scratching on it (evidence of severe itching);
• the presence of inflammation, ulcers, blisters with liquid, peeling on the skin;
• claw deformities.

However, such a clinical picture can be caused by the action of various pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) or have a neurological or even allergic nature. It is clear that in the last two cases the disease is not dangerous for others.

However, there is one more common feature among all types of lichen. This disease in any of its manifestations always affects an organism with a weakened immune system, and this rule applies equally to both animals and people. A baby is much more likely to catch shingles from a sick cat than his parents.

In children, the risk of contracting deprivation is always higher than in adults, due to the immature immune system.

If we talk about cats, lichen most often affects:

• pregnant cats;
• nursing mothers;
• kittens;
• elderly animals;
• cats who have suffered a serious illness;
• hungry and weakened animals.

Photo gallery: cats at risk for lichen infection

Pregnancy is stressful for a cat’s body; the immune system is weakened during this period.

A nursing cat's risk of contracting shingles increases.

In old age, a cat's body loses its ability to resist infection.

Previous illness or surgery also weakens the immune system.

A stray animal weakened by hunger is more susceptible to contracting lichen.

There are many cats living around our summer cottage, and they all sometimes come to us for a treat. Somehow after winter, we discovered that one of these cats, in addition to her usual pregnancy, had obvious symptoms of lichen. The animal's condition worsened every day, and the disease progressed. But here's what's interesting: several other cats that were in direct contact with the infected animal remained completely healthy. In the end, through our joint efforts, we managed to defeat the disease, but none of the other animals became infected.

In people, in addition to childhood or old age, pregnancy and previous diseases, the risk group can be supplemented by such factors as:

• experienced stress;
• heavy physical activity, in particular, accompanied by profuse sweating;
• predisposition to allergies;
• individual characteristics of the body (hereditary factor);
• violation of personal hygiene rules;
• use of certain medications;
• certain diseases (chicken pox, candidiasis, problems with the endocrine system, dysbacteriosis, autoimmune, infectious diseases, etc.);
• alcoholism.

The appearance of lichen can be triggered even by simple stress

Thus, contact with a sick cat is not the most common and far from the only way to become familiar with such an ailment as lichen.

Can other animals become infected?

This easily transmitted disease is spread by fungal spores that can affect any mammals, which include dogs, cats, and rodents. Animals that live outdoors are at greatest risk.

When one infected pet appears, everyone around them is at risk of getting sick. The infection may quickly spread among residents of shelters or cat and dog kennels. Therefore, it is so important for the owner to isolate the sick animal from people and other pets.

Routes of transmission of ringworm

Spores of the fungus that causes the disease can spread quickly through the air, in the aquatic environment and through clothing.

Main routes of transmission:

• in direct contact with a sick animal (if protective equipment is not used);
• with indirect contact, infection can occur through pet care items - a bed, food bowls, harness or leash;
• through other carriers of infection - rodents (mice and rats);
• in the environment, spores can spread with water or through the air, through soil, sand, garbage, upon contact with which the fungus begins to develop;
• through items of clothing or shoes of the owner or other people coming into the house.

Information about the disease

Ringworm in cats is an infectious disease caused by two types of microscopic fungi: Mycrosporum and Trichophyton.

In the first case, the type of lichen is called microsporia, and in the second - trichophytosis. The clinical symptoms of both pathologies are identical.

Microsporia and trichophytosis fungi quickly reproduce by spores, therefore they are very widespread in the environment. These fungal spores can be found anywhere other cats infected with the disease have been.

A decrease in the animal's immunity can cause this disease. To strengthen the animal’s body’s defenses, it is necessary to get vaccinated and know what to feed the cat.

Fungal spores can remain viable in the external environment for up to two years. They are highly resistant to adverse conditions and many disinfectants.

The risk of contracting ringworm for a cat is very high. However, the body of adult and healthy felines has the ability to successfully resist this disease.

Who is at risk

• Kittens up to 1 year.
• Sick animals.
• Cats with weakened immune systems in the postoperative period or after illnesses.
• Free-ranging animals.

You might be interested in:

• scabies in cats.

Prevention of lichen in cats

The main measures to prevent infection of pets with lichen include:

• good care and maintenance of the pet’s health and immunity;
• maintaining cleanliness in the room where animals live: regularly sanitize the bedding, house, feeder and drinking bowl, care accessories;
• when walking on the street, avoid contact with homeless and stray cats and dogs;
• carrying out preventive vaccinations that help protect the animal from ringworm and other types of lichen (these include Polivak TM, Vakderm, Microderm, etc.); with regular use of vaccines, the animal develops immunity to skin diseases;
• if your pet is suspected of being infected with lichen, it is necessary to provide personal means of protection against infection - wear a gown and rubber gloves when carrying out medical and other procedures for caring for a sick animal;
• After isolating a sick cat in a separate room, it is recommended to subject it to quartz treatment daily using a special lamp, and to carry out wet cleaning with a chlorinated solution (chlorhexidine or alcohol can be used).

The measures listed will help protect animals from infection, even in a situation where there is an animal with shingles in the house. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and the proper quality of treatment and maintain the health of your pet, lichen can be cured and complications and the transition of the disease to the chronic stage can be avoided.

Where does it most often appear?

Usually the disease is localized on the head, ears, muzzle of the animal, on its limbs or tail.

By scratching the infected areas, the cat spreads the infection throughout the body - if treatment is not started in time, the disease will spread over most of the animal's skin.

Perhaps the cat does not have lichen, but baldness.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you have any skin diseases or suspicion of ringworm in your pet cat, you should immediately take your pet to a veterinarian. Only a specialist can diagnose the pathology and prescribe the correct treatment.

What does ringworm look like in cats?

Above the eye Behind the ear Photo - what lichen looks like on a cat’s back
In a veterinary clinic, the diagnosis is confirmed using fluorescent (under a lamp), microscopic and cultural (bacterial culture) studies.