Ringworm
Overview
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) is a well known fungus that can infect dogs, cats and humans. It affects regions of hair, nails and the superficial layers of the skin.
Causes
Ringworm can be transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal or contact with contaminated items, however this may not necessarily result in an infection or subsequent clinical signs. There are three fungal species that cause ringworm in dogs and cats. The vast majority of infections are caused by Microsporum canis, with the remainder caused by Microsporum gypseum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Those that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. They do not thrive in living tissue or persist in cases of severe inflammation. The incubation period is 1-4 weeks and an infected animal which is not showing signs may remain in a carrier state for a prolonged period of time. Ringworm is a significant zoonosis (disease transmissable from animals to humans).
Overview
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) is a well known fungus that can infect dogs, cats and humans. It affects regions of hair, nails and the superficial layers of the skin.
Causes
Ringworm can be transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal or contact with contaminated items, however this may not necessarily result in an infection or subsequent clinical signs. There are three fungal species that cause ringworm in dogs and cats. The vast majority of infections are caused by Microsporum canis, with the remainder caused by Microsporum gypseum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Those that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. They do not thrive in living tissue or persist in cases of severe inflammation. The incubation period is 1-4 weeks and an infected animal which is not showing signs may remain in a carrier state for a prolonged period of time. Ringworm is a significant zoonosis (disease transmissable from animals to humans).
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Lesions
in dogs are classically alopecic, scaly patches with broken hairs. Dogs
may also develop regional or generalized folliculitis and furunculosis
with papules and pustules. Generalized ringworm in adult dogs is
uncommon and is usually accompanied by immunodeficiency.
The clinical appearance of ringworm in cats is quite variable with kittens most commonly affected. Typical lesions consist of focal alopecia, scaling, and crusting; most are around the ears and face or on the extremities. Cats not showing clinical signs of infection can still serve as a source of infection to other cats or people.
Management and Treatment
Treatment for localized ringworm is not always necessary as the disease is self-limiting, however treatment is recommended to prevent spread of infection to other animals and people. For chronic or severe cases, systemic treatment is indicated with oral antifungal agents. For generalized lesions, in addition to clipping and topical treatment, antifungal shampoos or dips can also be beneficial. A 0.5% chlorhexidine shampoo, 2% miconazole shampoo, ketoconazole shampoo, lime sulfur dips, or 2% chlorhexidine solution that are applied every 2 to 4 days have all been used effectively. Systemic and topical treatments for dermatophytosis should be continued for 2-4 weeks past clinical cure.
Prevention
A killed fungal cell wall vaccine is approved in the US for treatment and prevention of M canis ringworm in cats (it is not available in New Zealand). The vaccine hastens clinical resolution and reduces the severity but not the frequency of infection in kittens that are subsequently exposed.
There are currently no reliable vaccines for the prevention of ringworm in dogs. Grooming and boarding facilities, as well as dog shows and veterinary clinics are often a source of infection, so ensuring facilities are clean and that all surfaces and instruments are cleaned and disinfected between animals is important
The clinical appearance of ringworm in cats is quite variable with kittens most commonly affected. Typical lesions consist of focal alopecia, scaling, and crusting; most are around the ears and face or on the extremities. Cats not showing clinical signs of infection can still serve as a source of infection to other cats or people.
Management and Treatment
Treatment for localized ringworm is not always necessary as the disease is self-limiting, however treatment is recommended to prevent spread of infection to other animals and people. For chronic or severe cases, systemic treatment is indicated with oral antifungal agents. For generalized lesions, in addition to clipping and topical treatment, antifungal shampoos or dips can also be beneficial. A 0.5% chlorhexidine shampoo, 2% miconazole shampoo, ketoconazole shampoo, lime sulfur dips, or 2% chlorhexidine solution that are applied every 2 to 4 days have all been used effectively. Systemic and topical treatments for dermatophytosis should be continued for 2-4 weeks past clinical cure.
Prevention
A killed fungal cell wall vaccine is approved in the US for treatment and prevention of M canis ringworm in cats (it is not available in New Zealand). The vaccine hastens clinical resolution and reduces the severity but not the frequency of infection in kittens that are subsequently exposed.
There are currently no reliable vaccines for the prevention of ringworm in dogs. Grooming and boarding facilities, as well as dog shows and veterinary clinics are often a source of infection, so ensuring facilities are clean and that all surfaces and instruments are cleaned and disinfected between animals is important
2/04/2012