Ring Worm in Dogs

Ringworm is one of the most common diseases in pets, especially dogs. Unlike its name, Ringworm is not a worm but fungi called Dermatophytes that thrives on dead tissues present on skin surface and follows circular path to spread infection.

Ringworm is an infectious skin disease and your pet usually picks it up from his surroundings like kennels, rodent burrows or from other animals who are already infected. There are about 35 species of ringworm that can affect dogs. The most common is ‘Mircosporum Canis’, which accounts for majority of ringworm cases
One symptom of ringworms in dogs is a lesion on the skin that looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair. The patch may look inflamed and may appear to have dandruff-like flakes on it. The most common areas where it can occur are face, ear tips, tails and paws.

If you find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian. He may diagnose the disease by plucking hairs from the infected area and examining it under ultra violet light. On finding fungi traits, he may advise some anti fungal pills or topical medications for your pet
Humans need to take some precautions since ringworm is an infectious disease. Be sure to keep kids away from an infected pet, and adults should wear gloves when handling any items that have come in contact with the animal. Also keep your dog neat and clean and clip his hairs short since longer hairs promote unhygienic conditions.
Although, ringworm is a mild disorder the problems due to its infectious nature and slow recovery time can be problematic.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson

Dog and Ring Worms

Dog and Ring Worms

A dog with ring worms, Even when fed and cared for properly, there are health problems that dogs can be prone to. With the many illnesses that can affect a dog’s health, it is very important for the owner to be aware of the need for good sanitation in the food, the doghouse and anywhere the dog spends a lot of time. To protect against such deadly viruses as rabies, etc., dogs must also be routinely vaccinated. Below, we will discuss ringworm, a common dog illness – what it is and what to do about it.

 What is ringworm?

 A fungal infection, ringworm can have an adverse affect on a dog appearance as well as its health.

 What are the signs of the ring worm infection?

 A small area without any hair is an obvious sign of ringworm. This area will also have scaly skin and pustules. The dog will scratch because of the itching caused by ringworm. Over time, the affected area will grow larger if not treated. The most common areas to have ringworm lesions are the legs, the head and the tail.

 How to diagnose the ring worm infection?

There are several methods used to diagnose ringworm. The use of a specialized black lamp called Wood’s Lamp is the most commonly used method. Ringworm will emit a fluorescent color when exposed to the light of a Wood’s Lamp. There are two forms of ringworm, m.canis or t. mentagrophytes, that do not emit any fluorescent color, so another method must be used to confirm a diagnoses.

How to treat ringworm?

If a dog is otherwise in good health, ringworm lesions will clear up on their own in about four months. If the infection is severe, treatment is warranted. To keep it from spreading, the hair around the lesion must be trimmed away without irritating the skin. Then apply a topical anti-fungal cream, such as miconazole or lotrimin to the affected area.  Be sure to take measures to prevent the dog from licking the medicated wound.

In very severe cases, an anti-fungal shampoo [miconazole 2%, ketoconazole, chlorhexidine 0.5%] and an anti-fungal dip [lime sulfur, chlorhexidine 2%] will also need to be used.  The veterinarian may prescribe an oral anti-fungal madication, such as griseofulvin or itraconazole, to help the healing process advance more rapidly.

With good care and information, a dog owner can prevent the common dog illnesses from being too much of an issue.                               

Filed under: Dogs Info Tagged: | Dog and ring worms, dog ringworm, ring worms

Say ‘bye’ to Ring worm

Ringworm can be spread by simple contact, so it’s important to know with who your dog is in contact. At the dog park or other heavily trafficked area, it is impossible to know if your dog is coming in contact with ringworm or not. Ringworm survive in dark, damp places, so make sure to regularly clean areas where your dog spends a lot of time. Frequently wash bedding and clean water bowls, especially in outdoor areas. Groom your dog every two to four weeks, more frequently for long-haired breeds. If you handle a strange dog, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your own dog since ringworm can be transmitted between species. Ringworm is more likely to infect puppies or undernourished dog, so providing your dog with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise will help prevent any type of disease. Check your dog food label and make sure the first three ingredients are high-quality protein (not meat by-products). The food should not contain any corn or wheat as dogs cannot digest this. It is cheap filler that provides no nutritional value. A higher value food may cost more, but you can feed less.

Cats And Ring Worm

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.

Cats And Ring Worm

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats.  Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm.  It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases.  Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease.  If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm.  Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside.  They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease.  Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws.  Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed.  There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin.  This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet.  If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets.  What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is.  If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals.  Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically.  You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals.  The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious.  If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves.  Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution.  Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.

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Ring worm in dogs

The ring worm is a highly contagious superficial fungal infection of the skin, scalp, nails, feathers and hair affecting all species of animals and man. Ringworm also known as dermatophytosis is the most common zoonotic disease transferred from animal to humans and is found in all part of the world, specially in hot and humid areas. Ring worm is caused in dogs by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Which dogs are more susceptible to ringworm?
Young dogs and puppies are more susceptible to ringworm. It is also highly susceptible in dogs with under developed or weak immune systems

Which dogs are more susceptible to ringworm?
Healthy adult dogs usually have a resistance to ringworm. Young dogs and puppies are more susceptible because their immune system hasn’t fully developed. Many dogs are carriers of ringworm but show no symptoms. They can, however, infect other animals or humans.

How is ring worm transmitted in dogs?
The ring worm is transmitted by the following
(a) Direct contact with the infected animal
(b) Indirect contact with fomites such as grooming kit, bedding’s etc
(c) Dogs carry the on the healthy skin and transmits it to be susceptible animal
(d) Ringworm may also be transmitted through contact with infected soil or other organic materials.

What are the signs and symptoms of the ring worm?
The incubation period is 10-12 days, that is, about 10-12 days will pass before any lesions occur following exposure to the ring worm. Infected dogs remain contagious for about three weeks. In the dog, the skin lesion are mostly found in the face, legs, feet, tail and lower abdomen. The dog shows signs of itching and patches of hair loss can be seen in the dog. The skin lesion in dogs appear at first as pink spots or blemishes in the skin that are neither raised nor depressed. As the disease advances the lesion appear as circular up to 3 cm in diameter and covered with grayish scales in the center. However, these skin lesions in dogs are not always circular in shape. They can be spotted, oblong or oddly shaped Small pustules are often found in the lesion. Secondary bacterial infections or mite may invade the lesion which aggravates the condition and produces multiple lesions on shoulder, back and neck of the dog.

How is ring worm diagnosed?
Diagnosis of ring worm depends upon characteristic lesions. But for confirmation and determination of specific dermatophyte the following is done
(a) Microscopic examination- Skin scrappings, hair, nails etc with 10%KOH solution is examined under microscope.
(b) Cultural examinations- Clinical materials from suspected dogs are cultured on suitable media.
(c) Wood’s lamp- Ultraviolet rays are used
(d) Skin test- The fungal antigen at a rate of 0.1 ml is given sub cutaneously and the reaction is checked after 24-48 hours.

How is ring worm treated in dogs?
Clip the area close to the skin leision. Treatment of ring worm is in the following way:
(a) Anti fungal drugs- Griseofulvin at a dose rate of 7-20mg/kg body weight for 14-50 days
Thiabendazole at a dose rate of 2-5.5mg/kg body weight
Ketoconazle at a dose rate of 10mg/kg body weight orally
Nystatin at a dose rate of 10,000 IU/lb body weight
(b) Topical ointments like Lotrimin cream, 2% Miconazole cream, 1% Cotrimazole
(c) Antifungal shampoos or dips like 2% Miconazole shampoo, Ketoconazole, 0.5% Chlorhexidine, lime sulfur dips. Dips should be given twice a week and can be performed either by your vet or at home

How to prevent and control ring worm in dogs?
Currently there are no reliable vaccine against ring worm in dogs. To prevent and control ring worm the following must be practiced:
(a) Identification and isolation of infected dogs
(b) Clean and disinfect grooming kits, bedding’s etc with bleach solution

Can man get the ring worm from dogs?
Yes, man, specially children can be infected with ring worm from dogs by touching, grooming or petting dogs. Ring worm may be passed from dogs to man and also from man to dogs.

What to do if your house has ring worm fungus?
Fungal spores live in the carpet, bedding and premises for several months. Disinfect the premises cage or kennel and all contaminated objects with bleach mixed at 1:10 on any surface that you can. One can also use 5%phenol or 2% formaldehyde, or 1% caustic soda.

Why does ring worm reoccur in some dogs after successful treatment?
Ring worm occurs in dogs sometimes after successful treatment in cases when the treatment is not long enough or aggressive enough to kill the fungus. It also reoccurs in dogs with under developed or weak immune systems.