Ringworm

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Ringworm is a fungal infection of your pet’s skin. Ringworm is contagious and can infect other pets and animals, including humans.   

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

The three most common fungal species that may cause ringworm in dogs and cats are Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi may also infect humans.

The live fungi that live in the hair and cause the shafts to break near the skin cause round patches of hair loss. As the fungus multiplies, the lesions may become irregularly shaped and spread over the animals body.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Patchy hair loss without itching
• Small pustules are often found in the lesion.
• The lesion may start as a small spot and continue to grow in size.
• The lesion may or may not be irritated and itchy.
• The lesions are most common on the head, ears, and tail.
• Generalized scaly or greasy skin condition.
• Ear infections are also occasionally caused by ringworm.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam.  Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

• Use of a special ultraviolet light to detect infected hairs.
• Culture of the hair for the fungus. Cultures can take up to two to three weeks for the culture to become positive.
• There are a number of causes of hair loss in dogs. Additional tests may be required before a diagnosis of ringworm can be determined.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Treatment options will depend on the degree of severity at time of diagnosis.  The treatments for ringworm can include the following:

• Clipping hair from infected areas
• Daily bathing with iodine shampoo
• Topical anti-fungal preparations after bathing
• Dry sheltering
• Exposure to sunlight
• For more severe cases, an oral anti-fungal may be administered

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Minimizing exposure to other dogs or cats infected with ringworm is recommended.