Cat has ringworm

Ringworm is a common disease caused mainly by infection with Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Clinical symptoms vary, but mainly include skin crusting, increased dandruff, and itching. Treatment for ringworm in cats requires the use of drugs containing ingredients such as terbinafine, itraconazole, and griseofulvin. The treatment cycle usually ranges from 7 to 15 days, and it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

Feline ringworm is mainly caused by infection with Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which can be contracted through direct contact with infected cats or indirect contact with contaminated items. The clinical symptoms of skin fungal infections in cats are diverse, but the typical coin-shaped bald spots are rare. Skin fungal infections can cause symmetrical hair loss, itching, and folliculitis, as well as extensive hair loss due to excessive licking of the affected area by the cat. Because early symptoms are not obvious, infected cats generally develop systemic skin fungal infections. Additionally, Trichophyton mentagrophyte can cause granulomatous dermatitis, which is more common in Persians, with clinical manifestations of ulcerative and nodular dermatitis. Adult cats with higher skin resistance may have latent infections without obvious lesions after being infected with skin fungi, forming only mild plaques or small amounts of broken hair. These infections can only be confirmed through fungal culture and pathogen separation, but they have a strong infectivity.

The treatment principles of ringworm include topical external drug treatment and systemic treatment. Topical external drug treatment is mainly aimed at cats with mild symptoms and recommends the use of external sprays containing terbinafine. Before applying the medication, the affected area's hair should be trimmed cleanly, and excess scales and crusts should be removed. Systemic treatment is mainly used for chronic or severe skin fungal infections and recommends the use of oral drugs containing ingredients such as itraconazole and ketoconazole.