Lichen in cats: symptoms and treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pets can develop skin infections that are transmitted to humans. One of these pathologies is lichen in cats. Symptoms may indicate different forms of its manifestation, risks of complications and danger to people around. The disease requires an integrated approach. Only in this case it is possible to shorten the healing time and reduce the possibility of transmitting the infection to other animals and to the breeder himself.

Forms of focal lesions

Cat lichen can manifest itself in completely different ways. Symptoms help to identify the form of infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Lichen is a skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. An animal can become infected through direct contact with another sick pet or through household items. The danger of the disease is that it can be transmitted to humans.

There are manyforms of focal lesions of the skin, which are caused by various pathogens. In this case, the clinical picture may be different and the degree of contagiousness is also different.

Ringworm in cats: symptoms

This form of the disease is the most common. It is caused by Trichophyton fungi. Microorganisms are very tenacious and retain their pathogenic properties for a long time, even getting into the environment. It is this type of lichen that is most dangerous in terms of transmission to humans. Children often suffer from this form of the disease. They have not yet strengthened immunity, so as soon as they stroke an infected animal, the fungi immediately attack the small organism.

Ringworm in cats is considered quite dangerous for humans. Symptoms and treatment depend on the localization of the focal lesion and the neglect of the process. The following signs will help you recognize the problem:

1. Rolled bald patches begin to appear on the cat's fur. They may be in a single case, but with a conniving attitude towards the animal, they quickly spread throughout the body.
2. Constant itching appears at the site of the lesion. The cat scratches and licks the bald patches, thereby contributing to the spread of infection throughout the body.
3. The skin becomes inflamed, small scales appear on it. In the process of combing, they scatter over long distances and are a source of infection for people and other animals.

Pityriasis versicolor can also be contagious for humans. It is caused by microorganisms, but onlydoctor after a comprehensive examination.

Non-contagious forms of lichen

An animal may develop a skin infection that is not dangerous to humans. So, in case of malfunctions in the pet's immune system, lichen planus may appear. Its distinctive features are the appearance of bald patches, where the skin is inflamed and has a strong red tint.

Fungi often cause pityriasis rosea in cats. Symptoms are similar to ringworm, but only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. This form is not dangerous to humans, but other pets are at risk.

To skin pathologies that do not pose a threat to people, include weeping lichen. It is often referred to as eczema and is an allergic manifestation. Treatment in this case is aimed at eliminating the cause and external symptoms.

Principles of treatment

Cat lichen can manifest itself in completely different ways. Symptoms and treatment may vary. A complete cure is possible only with an accurate formulation of the form of a focal lesion and the appointment of an effective complex therapy.

Veterinarians recommend that at the first suspicion of lichen immediately apply for an examination. Only in a clinic can its form be established in order to correctly prescribe treatment.

In order to notice the problem in time and take the necessary measures, it is recommended to conduct regular preventive examinations with a specialist.

Clinical picture

Beforehow to start treatment for lichen, it is necessary to establish its form. Each type of skin infection has its own manifestations and is caused by different fungi.

If the breeder regularly examines his pet, then the first signs of pathology can be noticed before the onset of severe symptoms. Lichen affects the hair follicles, so the hair falls out and bald patches appear. Any cat owner should be alerted by the sudden loss of hair on a local area of the body. The most likely locations are the head, neck and limbs.

The foci affected by fungi become unattractive, scales appear on them, the skin turns red and inflamed. It is worth considering that any form of depriving manifests itself very quickly. A bald patch appears on the skin, which can be pinkish, red or gray. At the same time, the focus is very itchy and the cat constantly scratches this place.

Manifestations of ringworm

Ringworm in cats has pronounced symptoms. The form of the disease is the most common and difficult to treat. It is characterized by the appearance of oval bald patches, where the skin peels off and scales form. When combing, the focus may bleed. In this case, the skin is damaged, a secondary infection may join and there is a high risk of a significant spread of the disease.

If treatment is not started on time, then bald lesions become bumpy, the contours are pronounced. The skin is inflamed and red.

Diagnostic measures

An unpleasant and dangerous disease is lichen in cats. The symptoms will help the veterinarian identify its form. But onlyvisual inspection is not enough. The doctor must conduct a complex of various diagnostic measures in order to accurately identify the type of fungus.

After the initial examination, the veterinarian may use a Woods lamp. Under its influence, colonies of fungi acquire a bright green fluorescent glow. However, the method is not always informative because several types of non-pathogenic microorganisms can also react to radiation.

Only a veterinarian can remove lichen. But sometimes even a specialist prescribes a lot of funds, because the complete destruction of fungi causes difficulties. In order for the selected treatment to be successful, it is necessary to accurately diagnose. Modern diagnostic methods involve their use in combination.

The most informative is microscopic seeding and further examination. It is important to identify the causative fungus and differentiate it from allergens, pyoderma and dermatitis.

Treatments

Chinese lichen manifests itself in different ways. Symptoms in cats can help a doctor determine its form and prescribe treatment. But procedures will depend on many factors, including:

• intensity of the inflammatory process;
• infection stage;
• general condition of the animal.

Healing therapy can use different drugs that differ in form and effect.

Topical therapy

Not only in case of contact with street animals, lichen can occur in domestic cats. Symptoms in well-groomed pets appear lessexpressed, but help must be provided immediately. A four-legged friend can become infected if there are fungi on street shoes, which are quite tenacious. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your pet out of the corridor.

If you still failed to save the cat, the veterinarian will recommend a local treatment that is aimed at eliminating unpleasant symptoms. Before using external agents, it is necessary to carefully trim the hairline around the outbreak. You can use an electric razor. At the same time, it is recommended to burn the cut hairs in order to completely destroy the pathogens of the fungus.

Specialized shampoos, ointments and creams are used for treatment. Directly the lesion must be treated with a 10% solution of salicylic alcohol. You can also use:

• 5% iodine monochloride;
• 4% chlorhexidine solution.

Of course, it is difficult for the average breeder to navigate the wide variety of anti-lichen remedies. If it is not possible to contact a veterinarian, then you can use the most common and effective ones, such as:

• "Sanoderm";
• "Thiabendazole";
• "Fungin";
• "Miconazole";
• "Nizoral".

Vaccination

There are special drugs that will not only protect the animal from infection, but also help in the cure. To do this, veterinarians often use:

• "Microderm";
• "Wackderm F";
• "Polivak TM".

Ifdrugs are administered at the very beginning of the disease, then their effect is at a high level. In this case, the symptoms disappear after 2-3 weeks.

In order for vaccination to bring the desired effect, it is necessary to adhere to a certain scheme. It is selected by a doctor, but the most common is the frequency - three times in 10-14 days.

Using pills and potions

If vaccination was carried out late, and local therapy did not bring the desired effect, then it is recommended to add oral preparations. Tablets are also needed in case of extensive skin lesions and damage to the claws of the animal.

Specialist without fail prescribes antifungal drugs. They not only suppress the infectious process, but also contribute to the speedy regeneration of the skin. Most commonly used:

• "Itraconazole";
• "Griseowulfin";
• "Terbafin".

However, it is worth considering that drugs have many contraindications and often cause side effects. Therefore, the reception is carried out only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Possible Complications

Multiple complications can cause lichen in cats. Symptoms (the photo clearly confirms this) can be very pronounced, the skin becomes very inflamed, so the cat scratches it. As a result, purulent foci appear that require the appointment of antimicrobial drugs.

It is important to use healing therapy in combination. In the process of healing without failincludes vitamins and immunomodulators.

Danger to humans

With a greater degree of probability, lichen may occur in a person from a cat. Symptoms in this case are not always characteristic, but spots with clear boundaries appear on the skin. Dermatologists are involved in the treatment, but a swab is first taken to establish pathogenic microflora.

Infection often comes from kittens. Spores get on human skin and under adverse conditions begin to multiply. If immunity is reduced, then ringworm in humans from a cat develops very quickly. Symptoms can be confused with an allergic reaction. A flaky spot appears at the site of the lesion, where clearly defined edges are observed. The hearth itches and turns red. Children and frequently ill adults are most susceptible to infection.

Symptoms of lichen cat in humans

Quite often there is lichen in a person from a cat. The symptoms and treatment are always the same. However, at the first suspicion of a disease, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. The fact is that lichen can be confused with allergic and other dermatological problems.

Often lichen lesions attack the skin of the face, scalp, buttocks, palms and groin. After infection, it usually takes about 10-14 days for the first symptoms to appear. The clinical picture in this case may be as follows:

1. Red, scaly patches on the skin that may have a well-defined rim.
2. The size of the hearth can be from 5 mm to 7 cm.
3. A few days around the spotsa network of small bubbles appears.
4. The hair on the affected area breaks off.
5. Skin itches and flakes.
6. If treatment is not started on time, foci of suppuration may appear.
7. If the lichen attacked the head, then bald patches form at the site of the lesion.

At the first symptoms, a visit to a doctor is mandatory. It should be remembered that lichen cat can be transmitted from person to person.

Necessary treatment

With properly prescribed complex therapy, the symptoms disappear within two weeks. Basically, antifungal ointments and special shampoos are used, if the scalp is affected. At the same time, it is recommended to cut the hair around the outbreak to prevent further spread of the infection.

Commonly prescribed drugs are:

• sulfur ointment;
• "Clotrimazole";
• "Terbinafine";
• "Exoderil";
• "Lamisil".

It should be understood that lichen is a rather dangerous disease and difficult to treat. Therefore, dermatologists recommend not to self-medicate, but to immediately seek qualified help.