RINGWORM IS NOT A WORM AND RARELY A RING

It is that time of year when new kittens and puppies abound, and there is nothing cuter. As many are available at shelters and rescue organizations, clients often present with “cuddling creatures” circled around their bare arms or neck. 

In a few weeks, on rare occasions, a phone call to Creature Comforts will question the cause of some hair loss in one or more areas on their pet's body. Slightly more concerning is unexplained circular redness on the skin of a family member, especially children. 

WHAT IS RINGWORM?

 Also called Dermatophytosis, ringworm is widely known as a common, fungal, skin disease of cats and some dogs. It is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to people from their pets. Although NOT life threatening, it can be difficult and very time consuming to rid a pet and the home environment from spores (infection) of this disease.

ARE THERE COMMON CLINICAL SIGNS?

Local or widely spreading hair loss, scaling, and skin lesions are the most common complaints by owners to veterinarians.  Some cats may concurrently have chin acne and very waxy ears. The fungus feeds on the dead cells leading to crusty margins and a red center. It can be quite itchy! The ring is more common in people rather than pets. Unfortunately, some animals are carriers, meaning they show no signs; rather, they are a source that simply infects other animals. 

ARE THERE RISKS/COMMON DENOMINATORS THAT MAY PLAY A ROLE?

Some of the more common causes are young puppies & kittens (actively dividing cells more likely to grow fungal spores), underlying disease, poor nutrition, warm/moist climates, stress, exposure to a large number of other cats/dogs, and exposure to the outdoors (dirt).

DID I HEAR THAT RINGWORM CAN LIVE IN THE ENVIRONMENT/HOUSE/ CATTERY FOR YEARS?

Yes, all it takes is skin contact with one spore to develop an infection; however, the skin has to already have an irritation as the spore normally cannot invade healthy skin. Itchy pets will be more at risk. 

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Fungal cultures of plucked or brushed hair from the suspected areas (i.e. takes 1 to 2 weeks) are the most common.  Direct microscopic identification or special black (ultraviolet) light examinations of fur are other methods.  In rare cases, a skin biopsy is indicated. 

I AM STILL CONCERNED THAT PEOPLE CAN DEVELOP RINGWORM ON THEIR SKIN. ARE THERE SOME RISK FACTORS?

Children, elderly, and people on chemotherapy or with compromised immune systems are the most common population of concern to obtain infections. 

WHAT ARE THE COMMON TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR ANIMALS?

 - Itranconazole or fluconazole oral tablets daily 

- Lime Sulfur Dip (smells and yellow discoloration to the coat). The dipping is to lower the contamination of the household or facility. 

-Shampoo’s such as Chlorihexiderm, malaseb (miconazole), and ketaconazole (Ketochlor) are suggested to wash off superficial spores

HOW CAN THE HOUSE OR CATTERY BE DISINFECTED TO CUT THE RISK OF RE-INFECTION?

Treat the environment's hard surfaces with 1:10 diluted bleach (spot check first and do not use on wood floors). A poultry house disinfectant enilconazole  (Clinifarm) is available in some areas. Also, vacuum frequently and change air filters. 

Repeat fungal cultures every two to four weeks, until 2 are negative while staying on the anti-fungal treatment. 

Betsy T. Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioner, Canine & Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital 

Cary, NC