Ringworm from a dog

No animal is insured against this disease. The disease is contagious and quite contagious, easily transmitted to people. It is caused by microscopic fungi: trichophyton (ringworm in dogs and cats) and microsporone, the causative agent of microsporia. The fungi have an unbranched, filamentous body with a huge amount of spores, which explains their rapid and widespread distribution. Resistant to disinfectants, to heat. Long live on litter, in the soil, on objects of wood. The incubation period can last from a few days to a month.

Ringworm from the dog. Signs. Diagnosis

Trichophytosis begins with the appearance on the skin of small (hairless) round spots with scales and crusts of grayish color, possibly reddening of the skin. The head, neck and limbs are most often affected. In cases of neglected, multiple spots merge, capturing large areas of the body. Itching is weak or nonexistent. If the form is deep, the hair pouches are inflated, a large amount of pus accumulates under the crusts.

Microsporia arises on the muzzle, tail, trunk, extremities, around the ears and in the ears. Inflammation is less expressed, spots of various forms, with broken (or spilled) hairs.

In addition to visual inspection, it is necessary to take scrapings and conduct microscopic examinations. At an early stage it is desirable to conduct another analysis - luminescent. Under the ultraviolet ray, the hairs affected by the pathogen have a greenish glow.

Ringworm from the dog. How does the infection occur?

First of all, by contact method. In addition, the dog can get infected through other people's toys, bowls, bedding, leashes, collars. If the dog is infected, it poses a threat to other pets and all members of your family. It is important to remember that the causative agent is resistant to the external environment and can live for several years. The time of year in this case does not play a special role: the animal can catch both in summer and in winter. Although it must be acknowledged that more often infections occur all the same in the summer, with a massive cluster of animals. It is during the warm season that competitions, exhibitions, training and so on are appointed. Veterinary clinics enter the zone of high risk. Of particular danger are stray dogs.

Ringworm in dogs. Treatment

Treatment should be comprehensive. In this case, antifungal vaccines are used (Microderm, Vakderm), the fungus itself (ointment, cream, lotion) is being controlled, preventing scratching (up to the bandage and putting on a protective collar), strengthen immunity (correct, balanced nutrition with application Vitamins and minerals, immunostimulants), the disinfection of objects with which the animal was in contact and the premises in which it was placed are thoroughly disinfected. The dog must be kept in quarantine and protected as much as possible from contact with other animals and people (especially for young children).

Do not treat deprivation of the dog by yourself. The exact diagnosis and the correct treatment regimen can only be given by a veterinarian. Self-medication can aggravate the problem and lead to secondary infections and complications in the form of bald spots and dermatitis of varying severity and etiology.

After the treatment, it is necessary to carry out the diagnosis again. This will help you to make sure of the complete recovery of the pet and allow you to remove the quarantine.

And in conclusion a few words about prevention. An animal with strong immunity can avoid infection even with close contact with the carrier, so do not skimp on balanced nutrition, vitamins and walking time. Do not forget about your own hygiene: by stroking another dog (lichen at the beginning of the dog is barely noticeable), you can, without knowing it, pass your fungus, so wash your hands after contact. Do not put on your dog strangers collars, leashes. Do not let the dog lie on the litter of another dog. Feed the pet only from his personal bowl.