Whose afraid of a Little Fungus? Ringworm, No Big Deal

I was bit of a jock in my younger years and spent a lot of time playing sports and using gym showers. It was not uncommon for me or my fellow team members to get athlete’s foot. If you have had it, you will know that it is a fungal skin infection that is not too serious and very treatable. It’s more of an annoyance than anything else.

Contrary to what many people think, ringworm is also just a fungus, very similar to athlete’s foot, and has absolutely nothing to do with worms. It is out there in the environment and it is not unusual for pet dogs and cats to get it. It’s easily treated and goes away within a few weeks without any lasting effect. Even so, many animals, especially kittens, lose their lives at animal shelters across the country simply because they have ringworm. This is sad and unnecessary since it is completely treatable.

At Nevada Humane Society, we value all life and believe that ringworm is nothing more than an inconvenience and certainly not a reason to end the lives of otherwise healthy animals. Instead, we work to ensure that kittens with ringworm get the treatment and care they need so they can go on to have long, happy lives.

Large numbers of kittens arrive in our shelter each week during the summer months. The shelter environment is not the best for young vulnerable animals so we are very dependent upon foster homes.

Finding foster homes for those that have ringworm can be extra challenging since so many people don’t really know what it is and worry about getting it. Actually, just by taking a few reasonable precautions, you can foster ringworm kittens without worry that you or your other pets will get it too.

All you need is:

• A little extra time to give them their medication.


• A room that does not have carpeting so it will be easy to sanitize and they can be kept separate from other animals—a spare bathroom works wonderfully or we can loan you a cage. 


• Disposable rubber gloves and gowns (if desired) can be provided.

Ringworm kitties are exactly like non-ringworm kitties with the exception that they have to be segregated from other pets until the infection clears up. They are cute, play with exuberance, and will amuse you with their antics. We are committed to the care and treatment of all kittens and hope you will be willing to help.

Could you be one of the special compassionate people who will help these kittens? If so, contact Nikole at 775-856-2000 ext. 321. 

Events that Help Homeless Pets

Reno is Petown through July 31 at Nevada Humane Society. Adopt your very own “Dog Vinci,” “Cattisse,” or “Petcasso” at reduced fees. Adult cats and dogs (4 months and older) that have been in the shelter over three months are free. Other adult cats are $ 25 and other adult dogs are $ 50. Kittens are just $ 40. Shelter located at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno.

Nevada Humane Society’s Pawspective Art Show on Saturday, July 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, celebrates local artists, animals, and nature featuring a wide variety of animal subjects, artistic styles, and mediums.

Duck Race & Festival to benefit Nevada Humane Society, August 28, 11 am – 5 pm at Wingfield Park. Adopt a rubber duck for $ 5, help homeless pets, and have a chance to win great prizes! For more information or to adopt a duck, visit NevadaHumaneSociety.org.

Ringworm Fungus in Dogs

Ringworm is a disease that actually has nothing to do with worms. In fact, it is a skin disease caused by a fungus. The main symptom is circular lesions, originally thought to be evidence of a worm curled under the skin, hence the name. Ringworm can affect humans and various domestic animals, particularly dogs. The medical name for infections of ringworm is “tinea.”

Ringworm Fungi

Several different fungi can cause ringworm. The species that most commonly affect dogs are Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. All will affect a dog with similar symptoms, often via a scratch on the skin, allowing the spores of the fungus to enter.

Location

Ringworm fungus spores are transmitted by contact. They live on the animal or in their living environment. A dog can become infected if brushed with grooming equipment that has come into contact with the spores, or if he lies on a blanket that has been infected. Spores are able to survive outside outside of an animal for up to 18 months.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is a fairly circular lesion on the skin that has become devoid of hair. Sometimes these lesions will have scaly skin in their center. Often these will appear on the head but can also affect the legs and feet. The dog may find them itchy. Occasionally, the lesion will not be circular and spreads across the dog’s nose. A veterinarian technician can detect ringworm by analyzing skin samples or hairs surrounding a lesion, although this can take several days.

Treatment

Most healthy dogs will have some immune resistance to ringworm and never develop the symptoms. However, if lesions do appear, they can clear up on their own, the dog’s immune system fighting the infection, within four months. For more virulent infections, clip the hair around the lesions short and treat the lesion twice a day with antifungal medications such as miconazole or chlorhexidine. A vet may also prescribe oral medications. There are currently no vaccines for ringworm.

Threat To Humans

Ringworm in dogs can be transmitted to humans. This can occur through contact with an infected animal or objects that have been in contact with an infected animals. As with dogs, fungal spores will often enter via a scratch or lesion on the skin, or an area that is excessively moist, such as a patch of athlete’s foot. The symptoms are similar to those in dogs, with a round skin lesion, often slightly raised at the edges. Treatment is with antifungal medication. Those with poor immune systems, such as people with HIV or AIDS, are particularly at risk.

How to Prevent Scalp Fungus in your Hair

What causes scalp fungus? This contagious fungal infection is more common in children than adults. Not only can it be picked up from other people, it can be transferred from animals. Many dogs and cats carry ringworm, so if your pet has bald spots in its fur, it’s possible that it has the infection and can pass it along to you and your family. This, however, is not the most common way of contracting scalp fungus. It’s much more likely to get it from another person. This can happen when you use someone else’s hat, scarf, brush, comb or hair accessory, where the fungus can survive for months.

There are ways to prevent scalp fungus — or, at least, reduce your chances of getting it:

Monitor your pet’s coat. Seek veterinary evaluation and treatment for it if you notice bald spots.
Avoid using another person’s hats, scarves, brushes, combs and hair accessories — even if that person’s scalp looks normal.
Wash sweat out of your hair after a workout. Fungus thrives in damp, moist areas.
Make sure you immediately treat any scrapes or cuts on your scalp.

Scalp fungus can be difficult to treat — even more so than other ringworm-related conditions. However, if you find yourself with the infection, see a doctor right away. To completely eliminate the fungus, you’ll need to take a prescribed antifungal medication. Antifungal shampoos are another recommended treatment for scalp fungus, but alone, they’re not strong enough to conquer the infection. However, the shampoo may be a good preventive treatment if you think you’ve been exposed to ringworm but haven’t yet acquired scalp fungus. -Continue reading….

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