How to treat microsporia in cats?

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

Pet hair can carry a fungal infection commonly known as ringworm. Pathology affects the skin, coat and claws of the animal. Several types of fungi lead to infection. The most common are Microsporum Canis and Trichophyton. The diagnosis can also be different - microsporia or trichophytosis in cats. However, the treatment will be the same in both cases. The concept of "ringworm" is a generalized one and is not used in official documentation.

Disease development

Microsporia in cats affects the body of the hair, causing it to break. As a result, the wool breaks off at the same level and the effect of cut grass is obtained. As a result, the disease got its name.

In cats under the age of one year, this pathology is very common. This fact is explained by the lack of immunity, the survivability of spores and extreme contagiousness.

Microsporia in cats is most often manifested by the formationalopecia. As a result, round bald patches appear on the surface of the body, where the skin is covered with scales. The problem is that the infected areas itch a lot, cause the cat severe discomfort, so the animal constantly combs them, which contributes to the attachment of a secondary infection.

Danger of infection

Microsporia in cats can lead to human infection. Young children and the elderly are at greater risk. Therefore, if lichen is suspected, it is worth protecting the animal from strangers, and the person caring for the cat must take all precautions.

Protective gloves must be worn when handling a pet. All animal habitats must be disinfected. If there are other animals in the house, then veterinarians recommend vaccinating them. However, not all experts consider the injection to be effective, but still the benefits of vaccination are greater than the harm.

Symptoms of disease

Microsporia in cats is quite specific. Symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on the degree of damage, the state of immunity of the animal and its age.

The classic manifestation of lichen is a small patch of round shape. At the site of the lesion, the hair breaks off, and the skin peels off. Small pustules can be found around the perimeter.

It should be understood that the disease manifests itself in the form of a small speck and constant itching. But as the disease progresses, the symptoms worsen. More and more affected areas appear, gradually they can merge into a single whole.

Microsporia in cats most often develops in the area of the head, ears and tail. However, there may be signs of infection elsewhere.

If spores strongly attack a weakened cat's body, then a generalized form of the disease may develop. Visually, it looks like a constant molt of an animal. Moreover, the skin can no longer be restored. Further, abscesses form with areas of hemorrhage.

Treatments

Microsporia causes great discomfort in cats. Treatment involves the use of antifungal ointments, shampoos, and taking pills to strengthen the immune system. However, it is worth considering that the spores that cause ringworm are very resistant to drug treatment. Therefore, it is important to fully complete the prescribed course and prevent a relapse.

The owner of a cat should definitely contact a veterinary clinic for an accurate diagnosis. Only after examinations can medicines be recommended, which are divided into groups:

1. Preparations for external use. Available in the form of ointments, creams or sprays. To make them work more effectively, you must first shave the animal. It is also worth considering that antifungal ointments are toxic, and a special collar must be worn on the cat to prevent licking.
2. Pills. May be prescribed when the affected area is extensive, or if external preparations do not cope with the problem.
3. Immunomodulators. Treatment of ringworm without fail involves the use of immunostimulating agents andvitamin and mineral complex.

Severe cases may require antibiotics.

Using antifungal ointments

Very unpleasant appearance of the animal is confirmed by photos of microsporia in cats. Treatment involves the use of antifungal ointments. They give a tangible effect, but it is necessary to use them according to the exact scheme proposed by the specialist. The most prescribed ointments are as follows:

• "Clotrimazole". It has a pronounced antifungal effect. It is necessary to treat the affected areas three times a day. The course of treatment is two weeks.
• "Mikozon". Completely exterminates pathological spores and affects the secondary microflora. Treatment involves long-term use. Apply the ointment twice a day. The course is calculated by the veterinarian based on the degree of exposure.
• YM. Ointment with antiseptic effect. Thanks to its astringent consistency, it softens the crusts and significantly reduces itching. The drug must be applied for only a week. After a course of treatment, he althy hair begins to grow at the site of the lesion.

Veterinarians often recommend preparing the skin before applying ointments. For this, special solutions are used.

Antimycotics

To prevent the development of inflammation, prepare the skin for applying antifungal ointments, it is recommended to use specialsolutions. The most popular and effective include:

• "Fungin". It must be applied to combed and inflamed lesions twice a day. The course of treatment is two weeks.
• "Exoderil". Naphthyzine acts as an active substance. It is necessary to apply to the site of the spore lesion, capturing about 1 cm of a he althy area. Use only once a day, but the course of treatment should last a month.
• "Imaverol". Antimycotic solution supplied in the form of an emulsion. For use, it is necessary to prepare a new portion each time. Before use, the animal must be bathed with an antifungal shampoo. Further, every four days, the cat's hair is treated by spraying.
• "Thermicon". The drug is available in the form of a spray. Before treatment, the affected areas must be dried. The spray must be used twice a day. The course is from one to two weeks.

It must be remembered that sprays are highly toxic. Therefore, their use is prohibited in pregnant and lactating animals. However, "Imaverol" has no such contraindications.

Relevance of taking pills

How to treat microsporia in cats, a veterinarian should recommend. In the case when the above solutions and ointments do not help or the affected area is extensive, the doctor prescribes special tablets. All oral antifungal pills have a number of side effects. Therefore, they are contraindicated in pregnant and lactating cats. The most requested pills are:

• Griseofulvin. The tool has a cumulative effect. It has a good effect, but the reception should last for a month. The usual dose for an adult cat is a quarter of a tablet.
• "Irunin" and "Ketaconazole". Powerful antifungals. They have pronounced antimycotic properties.
• "Flucanazole". A powerful drug. It can only be prescribed by a doctor, because it has severe side effects. Recommended in case of a large spread of bacteria and the addition of a secondary infection.

Vaccination

Microsporia is quite common in cats. The photo shows how unpleasant the disease looks. A doctor may recommend vaccination as a treatment and prevention. Despite the fact that not all experts consider this technique effective, the injection is still able to protect the pet from the rapid reproduction of the fungus.

The most famous antifungal vaccines are Polivak TM and Microderm. The instruction states that the drugs not only have a preventive effect, but also have an effective therapeutic effect.

However, any veterinarian will not give a 100% guarantee that the vaccine will protect your pet from infection. It is also known that this method is not used in European countries.

Conclusion

Microsporia and trichophytosis is the official name for ringworm caused by different types of pathogenic microorganisms. The disease is rather unpleasant, causes discomfort in the cat andcan be transmitted to humans. However, the pathology is well studied by veterinarians. Specialists have developed a treatment strategy, and if you follow all the advice of a doctor, then the disease can be de alt with without consequences.