03/03/2025
Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin in cats. It's caused by a fungus that feeds on the outer layers of the skin, hair, or claws.
Signs
Hair loss, especially in roughly circular patches on the head, ears, or legs
Broken hairs around the affected area
Scaly and inflamed patches of skin
Diagnosis
A veterinarian can diagnose dermatophytosis by examining hair and scales, using a Wood's lamp, or performing a fungal culture
Treatment
Topical medications like lime sulfur solution or miconazole shampoo
Oral anti-fungal medications like itraconazole
Shaving the cat, especially if it has long hair or a widespread infection
Prevention
Disinfecting the cat's environment with a dilute bleach solution
Confining infected cats to a particular area until the infection is cleared
Transmission
Direct contact with infected cats or contaminated objects, such as furniture or grooming tools
Broken hairs with associated spores
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