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Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the hair, nails and/or skin of cats, dogs, and humans. In humans, ringworm usually looks like a ring-like lesion, but this is not always the case in pets.

 In most animals, ringworm is fairly self-limiting, meaning it will heal itself in time. However, in animals with compromised immune systems, particularly cats under 1 year of age, outbreaks can become severe. Spores from infected animals can be shed into the environment and live for over a year and a half!

Typical ringworm symptoms to look for would be small roundish lesions with no hair, sometimes itchy and irritated looking, other times not. It may have a small scabby center. Ringworm is most commonly found at the head, ears and tail, but can be spread to anywhere on the body.

The most reliable way for your vet to diagnose ringworm is with a culture. When it is suspected, topical treatment can begin while waiting for culture results, as most vets are fairly certain as to the diagnosis when they see this. Limiting your ringworm-positive pet to a confined area which you clean well with diluted bleach will save you a lot of trouble in the long run in keeping the infection contained. Wearing loves to help prevent infection to yourself and contamination to other areas of the household is also strongly recommended.

Christine, LVT

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