A Fungus Among Us

It seems that a few dogs are showing up with "Ringworm." To set the record straight, please know that the name ring worm is an old fashioned misnomer based on the appearance of the ring like skin lesions. Ring worm is actually "a fungus among us."

This fungus is everywhere. Microsporum canis is in the ground and in the air. Little spores will land on susceptible skin and grow in a red circle ring like rash.

Cats can get dog ringworm and they get scaling of the skin and show local lesions that look like "cigarette ash" deposits. Infection in cats is often not noticed.

Kittens and puppies are most often affected as their immune system is not yet developed enough to resist the fungus.

Young dogs will show a few to many patches of hair loss and scaliness and redness at the out side edge (the ring). Some cats and dogs will develop infection of the nail beds. Often a thick crust will cover the lesion.

Dermazol or Selsan Blue Shampoo and itraconizole will reduce the lesions and may cure the disease. Serious cases require itraconizole therapy or diflucan therapy.

Some feel that the new ringworm vaccine may help: however, it is not widely used by the profession. The best thing to do if you suspect you or your pet has a skin disease is to see your veterinarian for some tests. A skin culture and a skin scraping generally tell the story.

Most pets and people develop an immunity to fungal diseases and don't have to worry. Have fun at the dog park and go on!