Ringworm in cats. Determining ringworm in a cat at home: what does ringworm look like (photo). How to treat lichen in a cat at the initial stage of development of the disease

Treatment of cats for lichen. Ringworm is not the worst disease that cats have, so if you have the opportunity and desire to cure the animal, then do it. Moreover, the treatment will not take you much time and money.

To begin with, I will tell you a little about the disease itself, so that you can identify it yourself and begin treatment.

Ringworm is a contagious disease, but not fatal. It is caused by microscopic fungi. Fungal spores get under the skin and infect the hair follicles, and when the animal itches, wounds are formed in which these same spores thrive. Then the cat begins to lick the scratched wounds and the spores are transferred with the tongue to other places on the body.

Ringworm comes in different forms. The most common are four types of lichen:

1. Shearer
2. Pink
3. Red flat
4. Pityriasis

The cause of the disease may be:

1. Poor nutrition
2. Immune deficiency
3. Genetic predisposition (especially in)
4. Malignant processes in the animal's body
5. Infection from other animals

The carriers of the disease are most often rodents (mice, rats) and stray animals (not necessarily cats).

The disease can appear even three months after infection.

Signs of lichen in a cat

Signs of the disease:

• The appearance of bald patches of skin on the head, ears, tail, back and sides
• Strange rashes on naked body
• Rash or greasy crusts of skin scales (can be confused with seborrhea)
• Pink bald patches
• The fur looks like it's been cut short in some places.
• The cat is depressed, refuses to eat and does not play

First, the scalp, paws, and tail are affected, and then the disease spreads to the back, stomach, and sides. The slightest bald spot on a cat's head must be treated immediately to prevent the disease from spreading further. And this infection spreads quite quickly.

In big cities, good owners can immediately take the animal to a hospital, where an analysis will be done and treatment will be prescribed. But in small towns and villages, veterinarians most often either cannot conduct an analysis due to the fact that they do not have the necessary equipment, or simply do not bother themselves and prescribe a medicine that helps against many diseases, including lichen.

Good veterinary clinics should have special Wood's lamps, with the help of which colonies of these fungi are visible. Under the light of such a lamp, the spores glow emerald green.

It’s worse when the owners don’t want to treat their animal and even kick it out of the house. It’s not enough for the animal to suffer physically, but it is also exiled to cold and hunger. And then they wonder where the infection came from throughout the city. And first of all, they blame the animals, and not such careless owners.

All cats were once domestic cats, and if now they wander sick, cold and hungry in garbage dumps and basements, then only we, humans, are to blame for this. And how can we be called people after this?

How does lichen usually begin in cats?

If you start treating your cat in time, then no one will get hurt.

Any lichen begins with a small bald pale pink spot on the animal’s head. Usually such a spot is round. Lichen planus is also distinguished by small blisters that are filled with fluid.

The cat itches all the time, but the same itching can also be caused by allergies to new food. Therefore, it is impossible to draw conclusions only on the basis of a bald spot and scratching. You can only play it safe, as I will write below.

There is no need to panic because your cat has similar symptoms. If you have identified a disease in time, even if it is contagious, you can begin treatment and avoid infection yourself.

Most importantly, do not forget that after you have started treating your pet, it is necessary to treat and sterilize all the places where it was. Bedding, bedding and everything that the cat may have touched must be washed. Wash the floors in the house with disinfectants and disinfectants that are always harmless to animals. Fortunately, there are a lot of such products on sale now.

Types of lichen in cats

Pityriasis rosea differs in that it goes away on its own. It doesn't even need to be treated. In a month and a half from the onset of the disease, everything will pass and will be covered with new hair. The main thing is not to bathe the animal during this period.

Pityriasis versicolor . Usually, a bare area of ​​skin does not cause itching, and it is possible to understand that it is ringworm only when the lesion enlarges. Pityriasis versicolor most often appears on the back and paws of the animal.

Lichen planus characterized by weeping bubbles. These places are very itchy. The cat begins to comb them and the liquid from these bubbles spreads. The surrounding fur becomes sticky and dries out.

Ringworm transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one. A person can also infect a cat. Fungal spores of any type of lichen can be brought home on shoes and clothes. So don't think that if your cat doesn't go outside, you'll always be healthy.

The causative agents of this disease are highly resistant to the external environment. They may wait several years for a suitable object.

A simple way to treat cats from lichen:

In my practice, the safest and best treatment is Sulfur Ointment. You can read about the properties of this ointment in the article about. The ointment is sold in any human pharmacy and costs a penny.

It is enough to lubricate the foci of the disease once every three days and no infection will resist its action. Unlike injections, the ointment does not hit the animal’s liver and there will be nothing more than a slight burn on the skin (and that’s not for everyone, but only for kittens). Cats can even lick it off and nothing will happen to them.

Sulfur ointment should always be in your first aid kit.

In our city, veterinarians prescribe expensive and not always safe medications to everyone, and the diagnosis is usually made by eye. (They treat people in the same way, but whatever happens.)

It is also good to use Yam BK ointment. This is an antifungal drug that can be applied to an animal even with eczema.

All these ointments are painless, which is important when treating animals.

Remember, in Nosov’s fairy tale about Dunno, there was such a doctor Kastorkin who treated everyone only with castor oil? So I literally treat all skin diseases only with sulfur ointment. The main thing is the result!

If the animal is not treated, it may die from exhaustion in terrible agony. Don't let him get to this point.

Treat your pets and be healthy!

Ringworm in cats is caused by fungi. With good immunity, your pet is unlikely to get sick. But if the animal’s body is weakened, then the risk of catching this unpleasant infection rapidly increases. Everything is further complicated by the fact that this disease is easily transmitted to humans.

Description of the disease

Ringworm in cats is an infectious disease caused by fungi called dermatophytes. In this case, the skin of the animal is mainly affected, but claws and fur are also damaged.

If you do not treat a sick cat, the lichen may go away on its own. But due to the fact that the disease is easily transmitted to humans and others, it is still necessary.

This can be judged by some signs:

1. Modification of the skin: the appearance of superficial inflammation of a local nature, gradual loosening of the stratum corneum of the skin.
2. Sudden hair loss, most often in the head area, as well as on the neck and back.
3. The appearance of scaly formations and dried crusts.
4. Severe itching (optional).

The photo below will more clearly demonstrate what lichen looks like in a domestic cat.

Causes

The main cause of the disease is the cat’s weakened immune system, which happens when the animal is malnourished. It could also be a small kitten whose immunity has not yet developed. Or the cat's living conditions leave much to be desired.

We cannot exclude such reasons as diseases suffered by the animal, leading to immune deficiency, immunosuppressive therapy, as well as malignant neoplasms that weaken the cat’s body.

However, the cat’s belonging to a certain breed can also be a reason, because some breeds are genetically predisposed to lichen, as they have weak resistance to it. For example, Himalayan or Persian cats.

Pathogens

Ringworm is ringworm. The causative agents of this unpleasant disease are microorganisms, the Latin names of which are as follows:

1. Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
2. Microsporum canis.
3. Microsporum gypseum.

The microorganisms declared under paragraph 1 cause lichens called trichophytosis. The remaining two are pathogens of microsporia. Moreover, Microsporum canis is the most common cause of dermatophytosis in animals. These microorganisms are very tenacious. They, of course, live on cats and dogs, but can live quietly in the environment for up to 18 months.

Some cats may carry the spores but will not show symptoms of skin lesions. Microsporum gypseum's habitat is soil, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes is often carried by rodents.

The symptoms of both are identical. They are similarly treated and are grouped under the general name “ringworm.” The type of dermatophytosis can only be determined by culture.

Distribution options

Microorganisms can get onto a cat's skin from another animal living nearby. A person can carry the infection from the street on his shoes. And also, if the cat is free-range, it can catch the disease from stray cats.

Mushrooms love warmth and humidity. If these conditions are met, they can be viable for about two years. From the time of infection, symptoms in an animal may appear only after 3-4 months.

Types of lichen

The behavior of a sick pet and the symptoms of lichen caused by different types of pathogens are very similar. However, based on the appearance of lichen in cats, several types of the described disease are distinguished. And this:

• Ringworm. The causative agents of this type of disease were described a little higher. And by the way ringworm looks, you can judge the stage of the disease and, depending on this, begin treatment. At the initial stage, microorganisms enter the skin through the upper layer of the epithelium. Knowing what initial lichen in a cat looks like, you can identify it in a timely manner and stop it, which will lead to a quick recovery of your pet. Short-haired cats in this sense are at a greater advantage than long-haired ones, since through short hair it is easier to see irritation on the skin in the form of dandruff or red dots.

• Pink - Zhiber's disease. The peculiarity of this type of lichen is that it is not dangerous to humans. And its name comes from the fact that at the initial stage of the disease, a pink, itchy, flaky spot appears on the cat’s skin. After about 4-5 days, this spot is covered with a solid dry film.

• Pityriasis versicolor (or multicolored) is the most dangerous type of lichen. It is easily transmitted to humans or animals and is very difficult to treat. At the initial stage, a small oval spot appears, the color of which can be pink, yellow or brown.

The peculiarity of the multi-colored species is what feline ringworm looks like in cats in the future. And then such spots quickly spread throughout the body and eventually merge into a single whole.

Symptoms

At the initial stage, small ulcers, scales or blisters can be observed in the very center of the affected area. Hair often falls out in this area. If treatment is not started on time, the limits of lichen will increase. With all this, itching may or may not be present among the signs of the disease.

Sometimes the lichen spreads throughout the cat's body, his skin becomes greasy and peels. The first symptom of the disease is increased shedding of the animal. The cat is depressed, refuses to eat and play, often begins to scratch its ears, and when the lichen is localized in the claws, they begin to take on an ugly shape and grow incorrectly. The photo below shows what lichen on a cat’s ear looks like.

Differences from dermatitis

Sometimes owners confuse ordinary dermatitis and ringworm. However, knowing what lichen in cats looks like, it can be distinguished from other skin diseases. With ringworm, areas of alopecia, i.e. baldness, have a depressing appearance. The skin here wrinkles, turns red, and becomes covered with rough scales that turn brown, which consist of exfoliated epidermal cells.

In addition, as a result of the vital activity of the fungus, substances are released that form fluid-filled pustules and papules on the surface of the cat’s skin. At the same time, the fur loses its usual color, becomes dull, brittle and begins to fall out.

Timely identification of lichen and contacting a veterinarian will help avoid human infection. Especially often, cat lichen is picked up by children due to their unstable immunity.

Diagnostic principles

The variety of manifestations of the disease excludes diagnosis only on the basis of an external examination. Dermatophytosis is determined by one, and if necessary, several laboratory tests.

The most accurate method for diagnosing ringworm is considered to be culture on media with further examination of the resulting culture under a microscope. Skin cell histology is performed less frequently and only when necessary. To do this, you need to take a scab or scale from the affected area and send it to the laboratory for examination.

Sometimes dermatophyte spores can be detected by examining affected hair under a microscope. With this method, spores can be detected in 40-70% of cases, which is quite enough to make a positive diagnosis.

One way is to use a Wood's lamp. However, only half of the cases that are caused by Microsporum canis cause the hair shaft to glow green. A Wood's lamp will reveal a suspicion of lichen, but additional research will still have to be carried out using culture or microscopy of the hair.

Treatment at home

Having determined what ringworm looks like in a cat, which is just beginning to spread across the skin, and having discovered these signs on your own pet, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic. After all, treatment at home is possible only after consultation with a specialist.

The treatment your veterinarian will prescribe depends on what lichen in cats looks like. The severity of the disease, the age of the patient, general health and his environment will also be taken into account.

Young and healthy cats can cope with the disease on their own. But generally it is necessary to use rather aggressive therapy. To do this, all animals in the house are examined by culture, after which the healthy ones are separated from the sick, but it is recommended that everyone use medicated shampoos indiscriminately. Long-haired individuals are shaved and the room is disinfected.

Disinfection of premises for ringworm

Microsporum canis almost always requires treatment of the environment, which is an extremely important point when there is a risk of infection:

1. All hard surfaces are treated with a solution of lime (1 to 10) or chlorhexidine (4%).
2. All fabric items, including bedding and blankets, are washed in hot water with a bleach.
3. Carpets and upholstery are cleaned with steam and chlorhexidine added to the water.
4. The ventilation openings are vacuumed and disinfected, after which the bags are immediately thrown out of the vacuum cleaner.
5. It is better to throw away collars, toys and beds and replace them.

Features of treatment

Sick animals should receive complex therapy through oral medications, vaccinations and external treatments, prescribed depending on what the lichen looks like in cats. The veterinarian will explain how to treat step by step.

It is better to carry out vaccination with domestic vaccines, because abroad they do not know how to make high-quality preparations for this.

During the treatment process, it is necessary to monitor the animal through periodic examinations and conduct monthly cultures. With two consecutive negative cultures with an interval of one month, the animal is considered cured.

However, it often takes several months before complete recovery, as re-infection occurs from the external environment.

In especially severe cases, drugs such as Griseofulvin, Itraconazole and Terbinafine are prescribed orally. Along with this, you can use baths with lime sulphide or special shampoos and lotions containing Miconazole or Enilconazole.

Describing what passing lichen in a cat looks like, one can note healed lesions on the skin, overgrown with new hair.

Features of treatment for various types of lichen

Depending on what lichen in cats looks like and what type it is, treatment methods may vary.

For example, for ringworm, it is best to use Nizoral and Sebozol shampoos, and Sanoderm, Clotrimazole and Miconazole ointments. For weeping lichen, salicylic, sulfuric, ichthyol, and tar ointments are suitable. Treatment of pityriasis rosea is prescribed with the use of drugs that enhance immunity and optimize feeding. And for the multi-colored type, “Imaverol” and “Lime Sulfur” are often prescribed.

Features of treatment of pregnant cats

Having studied what lichen in cats looks like and how to treat it, it is necessary to note the features of the treatment of sick pregnant animals. To avoid harm to unborn kittens, veterinarians often prescribe alternative treatments using gentle medications, including tricolor violet, chamomile, oregano and common valerian.

All of the herbal preparations listed can be mixed in the required proportions, or can be used as an independent medicine. But the veterinarian will tell you this.

Prevention

For prevention, it is best to carry out timely annual anti-lichen vaccination. At the same time, the vaccine is both a preventive drug and a therapeutic agent at the same time. Immunity is then acquired by the cat after 30 days.

If the cat is not vaccinated, then it is better not to let it go outside at all and you should be extremely careful about the cat’s interactions with other animals. It is best to visit a veterinarian once every 6 months for a detailed examination.

Along with this, the pet needs to be provided with optimal nutrition, an active lifestyle and decent care. And the care and love of the owner will make the precious cat invulnerable to any disease.

Ringworm in animals is a fungal disease that affects the skin. Most often, cats that go for a walk in the yard or entrance are infected with it. You can also infect an animal at home. Fungi are brought into the house by people on shoes and clothes.. Ringworm in cats is treated with medication and folk remedies.

Ringworm in cats is a skin disease caused by a special type of fungus - dermatophytes. The disease is extremely unpleasant and can affect not only the skin, but also the claws and fur. Previously, the disease was considered incurable, but now medicine is successfully coping with the disease. Of course, lichen can go away on its own, but it is dangerous to hope for it. Primarily for the life of the animal, although cases are common when the fungus is transmitted to humans.

We’ll talk about prevention, diagnosis, types of lichen and many other issues in this article.

Causes

Ringworm is a skin disease that appears as a rash on the fur, nails and body. Moreover, the disease is also typical for other domestic animals: dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. The main causative agents of lichen are fungi, which easily develop in animals with weakened immunity. These include:

• Trichophyton;
• Microsporum canis;
• Microsporum gypseum.

Infection occurs through direct contact with the carrier. Sometimes the disease penetrates through household items. But a pet can simply be a carrier. He himself is not sick.

The incubation period of the fungus lasts from several days to months. Previously, lichen had practically no treatment, but nowadays, if the disease is recognized at the initial stage, it is quite easy to get rid of it. The average time to resolve a problem is up to 3 weeks. In particularly advanced cases, prevention and treatment last up to a year.

Much depends on animal immunity. A strong and strong cat with proper nutrition and proper care can easily cope with disputes. The situation is different with a weakened, old or sick animal. Wool is a favorable environment for the development of the disease, because spores develop with rooted force in a humid and warm environment.

Kittens and young cats are at particular risk. Especially during pregnancy. Some decorative breeds of cats, bred experimentally by breeders, do not have natural protection against fungal spores. These often include Persian and Scottish cats.

Fungal spores can remain in an inactive state for a long time (up to several years!) in woolen products, carpets, and furniture, but at the same time remain fully viable. Once in a favorable environment, they develop rapidly

Depriving cats of the species

Although the disease is caused by only three strains of fungi, there are slightly more varieties, and most importantly external manifestations. Let's turn to them and give each a small characteristic.

Infectious fungal disease has several varieties:

• Ringworm.
• Ringworm.
• Pityriasis rosea.
• Shingles.
• Tinea versicolor.

Their symptoms and treatment are different. Therefore, we will consider each type separately.

Ringworm

Dermatophyte is caused by fungi.

They reproduce on the skin. Particularly dangerous for long-haired cats, for example, Persians, since the first symptoms are invisible visually.

In short-haired pets, it is easier to diagnose dermatophyte at an early stage of the disease.

Symptoms of ringworm:

• Round bald spots appear on the animal's head and ears.
• Hair falls out profusely.
• Bald areas of skin are covered with scales.
• There is severe itching in areas of inflammation.

Its nature is already clearly fungal. Spores are very dangerous for people, especially children. It is popularly called “cat lichen”. Its spores are extremely tenacious and can remain inactive for up to 10(!) years. True, they die in the ground after a few months. Spores can be clearly felt on clothing and furniture.

Its main danger is that it is transmitted from humans to animals and back. The fungus literally feeds on the upper layers of the skin. In long-haired cats, recognizing its initial stage is extremely difficult.

In the first stages, hair loss occurs with the formation of a white scaly coating in these areas. The area of ​​the ears and paws suffers the most. The hair becomes brittle and the spots gradually expand. Mucus crusts with copious pus form. After treatment, the affected areas of the skin will never heal again. In advanced cases, the cat becomes almost completely bald.

It is these signs that should alert the owner. In any case, a trip to the veterinarian will not be superfluous. At home, it is most likely impossible to identify lichen. In some cases, one or two areas are affected, which are difficult to notice. Owners sound the alarm only when the lichen enters a severe stage.

In some cases, the entire body is infected, rather than individual areas.

Owners often confuse ringworm with other diseases. For example, this could be an allergic reaction to household chemicals or cigarette smoke. Sometimes similar symptoms occur due to tick infestation, diabetes mellitus, or severe stress that the animal has experienced.

Dermatophyte is dangerous for people. Isolation of a sick animal is necessary in the first days of infection. At this time, carry out a general cleaning of the house using disinfectants.
Before prescribing therapy, the veterinarian diagnoses the disease. It is very easy to confuse ringworm with other types of fungal infections.

Dermatophyses can be treated at home with the following remedies::

• Shampoo. To eliminate itching, use detergents that contain ketoconazole. These are shampoos from the company Nizoral. Before swimming, you need to shave the affected area of ​​your body. Be sure to treat tools (scissors or razors) with alcohol after use.
  Shampoos are not medicinal products. They only alleviate the animal's condition.
• Ointments. The antifungal agent contains an antibiotic. You need to smear the cat's body several times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Clotrimazole and Miconazole ointments have proven themselves to be effective.
• Spray. Medicines that save an animal from lichen are produced in the form of an aerosol. They are convenient and economical to use. The active ingredient, clotrimazole, is applied to bald spots, or a gauze compress soaked in the medicine is made.
• Vaccines. Cats and kittens need to be vaccinated after infection. Pregnant cats and babies under 2 months cannot be vaccinated.
• If the disease continues to progress after treatment with ointments and sprays, then oral agents. These are antifungal tablets. These include Fluconazole, Itraconazole And Griseofulvin. You cannot prescribe the dosage and duration of treatment on your own. The veterinarian takes into account the weight and age of the cat, determines the dose and monitors the healing process.

Important! The incubation period for infection with ringworm is several days or a couple of months. In pets with strong immunity, the onset of the first symptoms may take up to 3 months. During this period, the cat is capable of infecting people and other animals.

Ringworm

This is not an infectious disease, but an allergic reaction to household chemicals, dirt, fleas. This disease occurs in cats with reduced immunity, hormonal imbalances, and stress.

This species is not contagious. It appears due to weakened immunity, as a reaction to external stimuli. For example, for detergents. Similarly, severe stress leads to disruptions in the body and provokes shingles. One way or another, it is not dangerous to humans.

Red spots spread across the cat's body. The rash consists of blisters that are filled with fluid. The boils burst and pus is released. It gradually dries out, forming an unpleasant crust. In rare cases, the temperature rises, the cat loses orientation in space, meows invitingly and moves little.

Symptoms of weeping lichen:

• Wet spots on the cat's body.
• Temperature increase.
• Inflammation and pus in infected areas if left untreated.

It is difficult to cure ringworm. Be sure to find out the cause of the malfunction in the animal’s body. By eliminating it, you can achieve results in the treatment of lichen.
The veterinarian conducts an examination and prescribes therapeutic agents. First of all, you should take care of the condition of your cat’s skin. Ointments will help reduce inflammation. They have an astringent and antiseptic effect. Salicylic, sulfur and tar ointments are usually prescribed.

Ringworm ointment is an affordable and effective way to combat the disease.

Important! It is impossible to know exactly how long it takes to treat tinea versicolor. Continue using ointments, compresses and bandages until redness and inflammation on the cat's body completely disappear.

Pityriasis rosea

The appearance of a pink spot anywhere on the cat's body, itching, flaking and the spread of similar symptoms throughout the body are considered signs of pityriasis rosea. This disease is not infectious. Occurs in animals with reduced immunity.

What to do if you find pityriasis rosea in a cat or kitten? You can remove lichen by adjusting the animal’s diet. Include vitamins and microelements in your diet. Give us specialized food. You can’t bathe your cat, protect the animal from the sun.

Pityriasis rosea goes away on its own within a few months, subject to careful attention to the health and nutrition of the pet. No additional drug treatment is necessary.

This type is the most common sign of impending baldness in cats. It is not transmitted and is not dangerous to humans. The reasons for its occurrence are not fully understood, but it is believed to be some kind of virus. Pityriasis rosea is inherited. After treatment, it may recur in a new, severe form.

During illness, many veterinarians still recommend limiting the animal’s contact with people. This is especially true for children and the elderly.

Based on the name, it manifests itself in the form of numerous pink rashes or rare large spots. Most often, lichen appears on the abdomen or in the genital area. The skin peels off, but remains smooth at the edges. In this case, it is especially dangerous for other microorganisms to come into contact with the damaged areas. This causes nausea, fever, complicates treatment and weakens the immune system as much as possible.

Important! Pityriasis rosea is not transmitted to humans.

Shingles

This disease is not diagnosed in animals. It occurs only in humans. Such diagnoses are made erroneously, that is, this type of disease is confused with other types of lichen.

Photo: lichen in cats

Tinea versicolor

A dangerous disease for animals and humans. It is most active in the summer. The disease is caused by the fungus Pityrosporum. What’s interesting is that the vast majority of people are its carriers. It is very often found on animal fur. Under favorable conditions, for example, increased oiliness of the hair, the fungus enters the active phase. Strong humidity and heat provoke the transition of spores to a pathogenic state. You can see what lichen versicolor looks like below.

At the initial stage, a barely noticeable light spot develops on the cat’s body. But after a couple of days they appear everywhere, merge and form huge areas.

It is lichen versicolor that often causes deformation of claws. When it gets under hard tissue, it develops extremely quickly and you have to act quickly

The affected surface may be smooth or scaly. What’s interesting is that during severe cold weather, the spots rapidly decrease in size and often disappear altogether. But this is a temporary lull. Soon the multicolored lichen will deal a new crushing blow.

Symptoms of versicolor:

• The appearance of a small spot on the cat's body.
• Coloring of the infected areas pink, yellow, brown.
• Spread of inflammation over the entire surface of the animal's skin.

It is not recommended to treat lichen versicolor on your own. Therapy is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. For treatment, medications containing enilconazole are used:

• Imaverol. An emulsion is prepared, which is used to treat the animal’s body once every 3 days. The procedure is carried out no more than 4 times.
• Lime Sulfur. Toxic substance based on hydrogen sulfide. Dilute it with water in the proportion of 1 ml of medicine per 33 ml of water. Treatment is carried out once every 7 days.

When using the medication safety rules for humans and animals must be observed:

• Be sure to wear a mask and gloves.
• Carry out the treatment outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
• Protect the animal's mucous membranes from contact with the drug.
• Place a collar on the cat after treatment to prevent licking of the substance from the body.

To avoid contracting lichen, preventive measures should be taken.

Prevention of lichen in cats

High-quality treatment is emotionally exhausting not only for the cat, but also for the owner. In addition, some types of lichen are dangerous for people. It is extremely important to observe disease prevention. A disease is always easier to prevent than to treat.

The best option for preventing lichen is vaccination. The fact is that many antifungal drugs are drug-resistant, and choosing the right effective course in such conditions is not always possible. The most commonly used medications are Polivak TM, Vakderm-F or Trimivak. Injections are given twice with an interval of 2 weeks. Immunity strengthens after a month and resistance to lichen lasts about a year.

Let us also note other methods that will prevent the disease:

1. Vaccinate kittens and new pets. It is necessary to remove worms from your pet before vaccination.
2. Disinfect your cat's litter box and sleeping area a couple of times a month.
3. Do not let your domestic cat out into the yard or entrance.
4. Keep other people's pets away from your cat.
5. If infected with fungi, treat the cat's and kittens' habitats with a weak bleach solution. This will kill pathogens. This way you will protect yourself and other pets from infection.

Diagnostics

So, during the next game with the pet, the latter discovered suspicious spots that were peeling, and even hair was falling out. What to do in this case? Let us temporarily leave the question of how and how to treat it. Let's focus on first aid.

First, we isolate the animal from other family members. You should not lock your cat in the toilet! If possible, provide your pet with a room equipped with a tray and a supply of food. In the summer, you can arrange a temporary isolation ward on the balcony. If it is insulated, then even in winter.

Next, contact the veterinary clinic by phone. You can take a photo of your pet or just the affected areas. Taking a cat to the clinic right away can be dangerous for the animal and others. The veterinarian will come to your home and examine the cat. Sometimes specialists ask you to come to the hospital right away. But it is better to do this only after some initial diagnosis.

1. Clean with disinfectants. Treat the furniture with a solution of water and vinegar, not forgetting the rugs and places where the cat most often liked to be.
2. Prepare a separate bowl for your pet.
3. If there are other pets in the house, they should be isolated, or better yet, taken to the dacha or temporarily handed over to neighbors.

• The surface of the furniture is treated with hot steam.
• You can use a little bleach to wash towels. But many breeders still prefer white and its analogues.
• A good option would be to quartz the room. Even a small lamp will kill many germs when used for up to 30 minutes.
• To wash hard surfaces, use a solution containing: water, bleach, vinegar and chlorhexidine.

What guides the veterinarian? It all starts with a visual inspection, studying the affected areas. The specialist asks related questions to the owner about his health and the suspected source of infection. Next he moves on to specific research methods.

The doctor scrapes the skin from the infected area and examines it under a microscope. The method is very convenient and gives concrete, quick results. In rare cases, pathogenic spores cannot be found. Then the veterinarian scrapes from another area or resorts to other methods.

For example, irradiation with a Wood's fluorescent lamp. Its essence is this: damaged areas are highlighted in green, signaling infection. Unfortunately, sometimes the device reacts to harmless fungal spores, which are also found on the pet’s body, and does not detect some pathogenic particles at all.

The most accurate, but long-lasting method is the growth of pathogenic spores on a nutrient medium. The veterinarian makes a scraping and transfers it to a bowl, where they remain for a while. Sooner or later, spores will develop in the cup, which will definitely signal the presence of lichen. Unfortunately, growth takes quite a long time (up to a month).

Traditional methods of treating lichen

In the early stages of infection or disease, you can use folk remedies fighting lichen at home.

• Treatment of wounds and inflammations iodine and brilliant green. The affected areas on the cat’s body are lubricated at least 2 times a day. brilliant green solution or iodine.
• Rubbing with celandine. Celandine juice is applied to inflammation. Gently rub until completely absorbed. The procedure must be carried out every 5-6 hours.
• Masks made from ash and vegetable oil. Wounds disinfected with iodine are covered with a mixture of ash and oil. The mask dries the wounds, they fall off faster. Skin remains healthy and clean.
• A mixture of valerian, sunflower oil and iodine. Pour 1 teaspoon of each ingredient into a bowl. Mix it up. Treat inflammation several times a day.
• Acetylsalicylic acid and alcohol. Mix 1 tablet and 30 ml of alcohol. The solution is used to wipe wounds on the animal’s body. Alcohol dries out sores. A hard crust forms. There is no need to tear it off.

Important! Treatment of a domestic cat with an advanced and complex form of any type of deprivation with folk remedies is impossible. Don't waste your time. If you couldn’t help your pet on your own, contact a specialized veterinary clinic.

Preventing a disease is easier than treating it. Take care of your pets' health in advance. Be careful with your diet, pay attention to the presence of vitamins in the menu, and get preventive vaccinations for all animals in the house. These measures will help avoid various diseases.

Treatment largely depends on the degree of neglect of the disease and the affected area. Sometimes ointments are used, in other cases a whole course of tablets and injections is prescribed.

Healing lasts on average up to 2 weeks. Full recovery, taking into account the overgrowth of hair on the affected areas, takes up to a month. Unfortunately, external signs do not indicate complete recovery. Only laboratory tests provide an accurate answer.

Shearer

One of the most dangerous types of the disease. Pre-infected areas are additionally shaved. This will allow shampoos or ointments to be absorbed and act more effectively. Let's talk about the first ones.

Veterinarians often prescribe the following shampoos: “Veterinary Formula ANTISEPTIC & ANTIFUNGAL”, “Doctor”, “Nizoral”, “Sebozol” and others. The last two drugs have proven themselves especially well. The shampoo is applied to the affected area and washed off generously with water after a few minutes. Sebozol is the cheapest drug among those presented.

It should be understood that shampoos contain antifungal drugs, but by themselves they cannot cure lichen. All medications should be used in combination.

As for ointments. The most commonly used are: Epacid-F, Fungin spray, Yam ointment, Sanoderm, Clotrimazole, Miconazole. Let us note some recommendations for their use:

1. Clotrimazole is applied 3 times a day for a month.
2. Miconazole is applied 2 times a day for 1-2 months.
3. Sanoderm is a complex preparation that contains antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory components. It is applied 2 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
4. Fungin is sprayed onto the affected areas 2 times a day for 2 weeks.

Most often, other medications are used for effectiveness. For example, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine. They are ground and added to food, or simply pour the powder from the capsules directly into a bowl. Similarly, injections are used.

By the way, vaccines are used not only for prevention, but also for treatment, but in smaller doses. For example, “Vakderm-F”, “Polivak TM”, “Microderm”. Vaccines have a number of limitations. The main thing is not to give injections to animals with weakened immune systems. Otherwise, treatment may end in failure.

Multicolored

Veterinarians often prescribe Imaverol. The drug is diluted in water and the resulting solution is used to treat the affected areas every 3 days. In advanced cases, the cat is literally bathed in the resulting emulsion. In difficult situations, use “Lime Sulfur”. This is a solution of hydrogen sulfide of lime. Processing takes place strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

The drug is used observing the following safety methods: do not allow the solution to come into contact with open areas of the body and eyes, use gloves, and ventilate the room well after application. It is better to buy a special collar for the cat so that it does not lick the drug from the skin. The medicine has an extremely pungent and unpleasant odor, so a mask is required when applying!

Pink

In general, treatment methods do not differ from the previous paragraph. Pityriasis rosea occurs due to weak immunity, so it is extremely important to strengthen it. Provide your pet with proper diet, rest, attention and care. Protect your cat from direct sunlight and do not wash it.

The main task is to relieve the cat from itching. Antihistamines are usually used. If the disease has reached a severe stage, then anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. They are also used exclusively on the recommendations of a veterinarian.

In general, pityriasis rosea is the easiest to treat. In some cases, it may go away on its own within a few months. The main thing is to follow the diet, rest and sleep patterns, and also not to deprive your pet of attention and care. We’ll talk about food during and after getting rid of lichen a little later.

Weeping

This species is difficult to treat. It is extremely important not to deviate from the general course of therapy and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. In most cases, specialists prescribe ointments in combination with antiseptic drugs. Here are some popular recommendations:

As for the usual application, the ointment is used 1-2 times a day for 2-3 weeks.

Let's talk a little about such a delicate moment as lichen in a pregnant cat. The main difficulty is that a weakened body cannot use antifungal drugs. They negatively affect the fetus. In this case, they turn to natural and, if you like, “folk” remedies. These include medicinal plants and oils along with iodine and alcohol.

Using “folk” remedies is effective only in the initial stages of the disease

The following medicinal plants are used: oregano, common valerian, tricolor violet, chamomile, burdock, plantain, yarrow and many others. Numerous decoctions are made from them for internal use. Here are some popular recipes:

1. Pour two tablespoons of nettle, string, oregano, violet (all in equal proportions) into 0.5 liters of boiled water. Leave for half an hour, strain. Drink a slightly warm solution 3-4 times a day before meals.
2. Pour one tablespoon of chamomile, horsetail, valerian, thyme and licorice (all in equal proportions) into 0.2 liters of boiled water and leave in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain. Drink a slightly warm solution 3-4 times a day before meals. Cats react very positively to the decoction, thanks to the valerian leaves.
3. Grind one aspirin tablet in 30 ml of alcohol. We treat the affected areas for a week. An alternative would be regular iodine. It can be applied alone or in combination with valerian and vegetable oil.

Tea tree essential oil has proven itself to be a natural antifungal agent.. It significantly improves the condition of the skin and partially copes with lichen. Essential oil must be diluted. It is enough to mix 3-4 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil. The mixture is applied 2-3 times a day until complete recovery.

Nutrition

To get rid of such an unpleasant disease as lichen, it is extremely important to adhere to a special diet. In most cases, this is dietary food. It will allow you to most effectively support the body of a weakened animal. When choosing products or prepared feeds, consider the following points:

• composition - quantity and quality of nutrients;
• taste qualities;
• energy value;
• hypoallergenic diet.

It should be borne in mind that dietary food is only suitable during treatment and for a short period of time, because a healthy, strong animal is not able to fully satiate itself with such food. He follows a particularly strict diet for shingles. This is associated with many allergic reactions. By the way, most products are safe for cats, but there are often cases where animals have an intolerance to milk, soy, wheat, eggs, and various types of meat (beef, chicken, pork, etc.).

The most dangerous thing is that allergies can appear suddenly. A cat can eat a certain food for several years without consequences. . At a certain point, the body, weakened by disease, reacts negatively to a certain product.

Ultimately, the best option will be to use ready-made diet foods. They are as balanced as possible and will help support a weakened body. The duration of feeding depends on the breed and individual characteristics of the pet. This should be checked with your veterinarian.

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Ringworm is a skin disease in animals caused by a fungus. Previously, the disease was considered incurable, so infected cats were simply euthanized. Although lichen is an unpleasant disease, today it is treatable, and it also happens that the pathology goes away on its own, without any medical intervention. It is very important to identify the disease at an early stage and provide timely help to your pet. It is also necessary to remember about the threat of infection to people who come into contact with a sick animal, so at the first suspicion of lichen, contact your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and under no circumstances treat the cat yourself. After reading the article, you will learn about the symptoms of lichen in cats, its varieties, treatment methods and preventive measures.

What is lichen

Ringworm in cats is a general term for skin diseases in which small itchy rash nodules form and the coat and nails suffer. The nature of the formation of the disease can be different: a virus, infection, allergy, or simply a decrease in immunity. Other animals are also susceptible to the disease: dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets.

Infection occurs both through direct contact and through household items. Cats that their owners let outside usually become infected with shingles from stray animals or rodents. There are cases when a cat is a carrier of infection, but does not get sick itself.

Ringworm in cats and kittens is quite easy to cure, especially if it is detected in time. Usually recovery occurs within 3 weeks, but if the deeper layers of the skin are affected, recovery can take up to six months. The incubation period ranges from several days to 3-4 months. At this time, the cat is already infected, but there are no signs of lichen.

Causes

The most common cause of lichen in cats is a fungal infection of such species as Trichophyton Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum. Once on the animal's fur, microbes begin to multiply, since a warm and humid environment creates favorable conditions for this. If a cat has a strong immune system, then its body will independently cope with the infection and suppress it without allowing any visible manifestations.

But if the animal is weakened, sick, or has just recovered from some illness, then with a high degree of probability the lichen will spread throughout the skin. In addition, kittens and young cats that have not yet fully developed immunity are at risk. Some artificially bred breeds, for example, Persian and Scottish, do not have innate protection against shingles, so they are also at risk.

Risk factors for developing lichen in domestic cats:

The general name “lichen” hides various diseases with similar manifestations.

Ringworm It is fungal in nature, contagious to humans and especially dangerous for children. It is also called “trichopytosis”, “microsporia”, “cat lichen”. Fungal spores are very stable in the external environment. For example, in flakes of exfoliated skin they remain viable for 6-10 years. In the soil, spores die in 2-3 months, and at home they can be active from 2 months to a year and a half. They settle on surfaces, feeling especially good on textiles. Interestingly, ringworm can be transmitted not only from cats to humans, but also vice versa.

Pityriasis, or pityriasis versicolor, is also a dangerous fungal disease to which humans are also susceptible. It is also called “sun fungus” and “beach lichen” due to the fact that it reaches its greatest distribution in the summer. The causative agent is the yeast-like fungus Pityrosporum. About 90% of people in the world are its carriers, and it is also present on the skin of almost any animal. Under certain conditions, the fungus turns into a pathogenic form, causing the development of lichen in cats. The provoking factor is disruption of the sebaceous glands, which results in excessive oily skin. You are especially likely to get sick in hot, humid weather.

Pink, or shingles, has an allergic nature, manifests itself with a decrease in immunity. It is considered non-infectious and harmless to humans, however, scientists do not have a consensus on this matter. There is reason to believe that pityriasis rosea may be caused by some virus that has not been clearly studied at the moment. The disease is inherited, and after recovery it sometimes returns with renewed vigor, so it is better to limit the contact of a sick cat with people, especially children and the elderly.

Ringworm, or eczema, is a non-contagious type of lichen that manifests itself in cats as an allergic reaction to some irritant. This can be an external influence, for example, household chemicals, detergents, or internal factors, such as hormonal imbalance, stress. For humans, this type of lichen is not dangerous.

Symptoms

There are a number of common symptoms for all types of lichen in cats:

• hair loss;
• peeling and inflammation of the skin;
• change in pigmentation;
• inflammation;
• severe itching.

Symptoms of ringworm

With ringworm, a cat loses certain areas of its fur. But the disease begins with a barely noticeable small rash under the fur. Signs that should alert the owner are increased anxiety of the animal and frequent scratching. The development of ringworm in cats is characterized by the following:

• round flaky spots appear on the skin, crusts form;
• the fur in the areas where the rash appears thins, the hairs become brittle;
• smooth, reddened skin is visible under the fallen scales;
• the spots expand and take an oval shape;
• the spread of serous-purulent crusts leads to the formation of scabs;
• the areas of skin underneath are completely missing hair; after recovery, it will not be restored;
• If the cat is not treated, the spots will grow, forming extensive areas of baldness.

The spots are painful, itchy, and cats often chew and scratch them. There is also a form of ringworm in which all the described signs are either absent or clearly not expressed. This clinical picture is called atypical. Only individual hairs of the fur are affected. Ringworm is invisible, therefore, a person does not take any measures until the disease is already advanced.

Ringworm symptoms vary depending on the specific pathogen. In some cases, only the cat's head and face are affected, in others the spots spread to the entire body.

Symptoms of versicolor (pityriasis versicolor)

Tinea versicolor initially looks like a small pale oval spot on the skin of a cat or cat. But after a few days the number of spots increases, they grow together, forming lesions of irregular shape. If the fungus gets into the claw, it becomes deformed.

Interestingly, there is practically no itching with this form of lichen. And when it gets colder, the spots may disappear on their own. The affected surface can be either smooth or scaly. Otherwise, pityriasis versicolor is practically no different from its other types.

Symptoms of pink (shingles)

Pityriasis rosea can appear as many small spots like an allergic rash, or it can appear as large pinkish spots up to 2 cm in diameter. Most often, lesions appear on the stomach, inner thighs, and groin of the animal. The itching may be slight or sometimes absent altogether.

In the center the spots are flaky, and at the edges the skin is smooth. In severe cases and without treatment, sepsis may occur if pathogenic microorganisms enter and take root in the lesions. Sometimes pityriasis rosea in a cat is accompanied by fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise.

Symptoms of weeping lichen (wetting eczema)

Ringworm in cats and kittens also begins with red spots. The skin in these areas is hotter than the surrounding area and is also very painful. The rash consists of blisters filled with fluid. When these blisters rupture, their contents are released, causing skin infection and the formation of ulcers and crusts. Sometimes shingles is accompanied by a fever. This type of disease is not dangerous for people.

What to do if you suspect lichen in cats

The first thing to do if you suspect lichen in a domestic cat is to isolate the sick animal. There is no need to lock him in a cage or any other tight confined space. A separate room or loggia is suitable if it is warm.

Next, you need to urgently contact a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. Its goal is to obtain information about the cause and causative agent of lichen. Based on the research, the doctor will be able to choose the right therapy.

Important: it is strictly forbidden to bathe your pet if you notice signs of lichen. Together with the water, the lichen spores will spread to the entire body, thus increasing the affected area many times over.

During the entire period of diagnosis and treatment of lichen in cats, the following recommendations must be followed:

• use separate dishes for a sick pet;
• if there are other animals in the house, then they need to be isolated, or better yet, removed from the premises for a while to prevent an epidemic;
• Carry out disinfectant cleaning more often, paying special attention to those places where your cat most likes to be;
• wash all bedding and rugs in a disinfectant solution;
• Treat upholstered furniture with a solution of water and vinegar.

The following means are used for disinfection:

• quartz lamp - you need to turn it on in an infected room for 20-25 minutes;
• hot water with the addition of bleach or any other chlorine-containing bleach for washing linen and towels;
• hot steam for processing upholstered furniture;
• water with the addition of bleach, alcohol, iodine, vinegar, soap-soda mixture or 3-4% chlorhexidine for washing surfaces.

Remember that you need to wash not only the floor, but also, if possible, walls, doors, tables, baseboards, paying special attention to corners, crevices and other hard-to-reach places.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of lichen in cats and kittens begins with a visual examination by a veterinarian. The doctor interviews the owner and reviews the medical record, if available, to get an idea of ​​the animal's general condition, risk factors and predispositions to the disease.

After a clinical examination, one or more examination methods are applied.

• Fluorescent Wood Lamp. Under the influence of rays, the affected areas are highlighted in green. But this method of determining lichen in cats is only partially effective and is not 100% reliable. Some types of fungus do not emit a glow, and on the contrary, harmless spores can give a false positive signal.
• Examination under a microscope of scrapings from the skin or affected hairs. This is a more accurate method than the Wood's lamp, and the result will also be known immediately. The disadvantage of the examination is that it is not always possible to see the pathogenic organism, so a negative result does not mean that the cat does not have lichen.
• Isolation of the pathogen in a nutrient medium is the most accurate way to determine lichen. Animal skin samples are placed in a special composition that is favorable for the spread of infection. Observation is carried out for some time, then the grown microflora is studied under a microscope. The disadvantage of this method is that it takes a long time – it will take up to 3 weeks to get the result.

Treatment of deprivation

Treatment for lichen in a cat depends on its type. In some cases, you can get by with ointments, in others you will need complex therapy with tablets and injections. In the initial stages, it is much easier to defeat the disease. The choice of how to treat lichen depends on the following factors:

• severity of the disease;
• immunity status and cat breed;
• the size of the affected areas.

Wound healing occurs within approximately 1-2 weeks. In the absence of purulent processes, complete fur renewal will be completed in 4-5 weeks. Otherwise, pigment spots or scars may remain. The disappearance of symptoms does not guarantee a cure for lichen. Laboratory tests can reliably confirm this.

Treatment of ringworm

Ringworm in an advanced form can cause serious complications in cats, therefore, after confirming the diagnosis, complex therapy is immediately prescribed, including the following:

• antifungal ointments, shampoos and creams;
• pills;
• injections.

Before local treatment, the edges of the affected areas are shaved. In cropped areas, there is better contact of the medicine with the skin, therefore the effectiveness of the effect increases. The following drugs are commonly used:

• shampoos with antifungal action, for example “Veterinary Formula ANTISEPTIC & ANTIFUNGAL”, “Doctor”, “Nizoral”, “Sebozol”. The products are applied to the areas affected by lichen, foamed and left for several minutes, after which they are thoroughly washed off. The cost of shampoos is approximately 200-500 rubles per bottle;
• products for topical use: “Epacid-F”, “Fungin”, “Yam” ointment, “Sanoderm”, “Clotrimazole”, “Miconazole”. “Epacid-F” is applied to the skin after removing the crusts, “Fungin” is used once a day, the rest of the products are used from 2 to 5 times a day. It is very important to prevent the cat from licking the drugs after application, so it is advisable to put a special collar on her neck. The cost of funds varies from 30 to 400 rubles.

Since ringworm in cats often develops into a protracted form, local treatment cannot be limited to. The doctor will most likely prescribe medications in the form of tablets or injections. The tablets that can be prescribed are Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine or their analogues. These drugs are intended for humans, but have also been successfully used to treat animals. For cats, they are added to food in crushed form. If it is a capsule, then you need to pour the powder from it into the food. The cost of medicines starts from 200 rubles and depends on the brand and manufacturer.

Important: tablets can only be used as prescribed by a veterinarian. All medications used are intended for humans, so only a doctor can calculate the exact dosage for a cat.

The optimal and most effective way to treat ringworm in cats is the use of vaccines. They can also be used for prevention, but if the animal is already infected, injections are given for treatment, just in a different dosage. Such preparations as “Vakderm-F”, “Polivak TM”, “Microderm” are used. They are inexpensive, 150-200 rubles. But vaccines have a number of contraindications: they cannot be given to sick and severely weakened animals, at elevated temperatures and febrile conditions, or in the presence of infectious diseases. Some drugs are contraindicated in the second half of pregnancy.

A special antifungal agent for animals is “Dermikotsid”. It is injected into the thigh muscle 2-3 times with a break of 5 days. It is used when it is impossible to use vaccines. At the same time, it is contraindicated in kittens and pregnant cats, as well as in the presence of liver and kidney pathologies. Dermikotsid costs about 400 rubles.

Treatment of versicolor

The principles of treatment for multicolored lichen in cats are approximately the same as for the previous type. Antifungal therapy is carried out, hygiene is maintained, and the immune system is strengthened. Both topical drugs and those taken orally in the form of tablets or injections are used.

Most often, enilconazole-based drugs are prescribed, for example Imaverol. An emulsion is prepared on its basis: one part of the drug is diluted in 50 parts of distilled water. The solution is applied to the affected areas every three days. If the lichen is widespread, you can completely immerse the cat in the medicinal mixture. The total number of treatments should not exceed four.

In severe cases, the drug "Lime Sulfur" is used. It is a highly concentrated solution of hydrogen sulfide of lime. A mixture is also prepared from it: 1 ml of the drug is diluted in 33 ml of water. Treatment is carried out no more than once a week as prescribed by a doctor.

Due to the high toxicity of the substance, precautions must be taken:

• when processing, use a mask and protective gloves;
• do not allow the medicine to get into the eyes and mucous membranes of the cat;
• the room in which processing is carried out must be well ventilated;
• use a special collar to prevent the cat from licking the drug.

Treatment of pityriasis rosea

A mild form of pityriasis rosea in cats can go away without special treatment. Sometimes it is enough to take measures to improve the general health of the animal’s body: adjusting the diet, limiting visits to the street, eliminating water procedures and exposure to sunlight.

Therapy is primarily aimed at combating symptoms, namely reducing itching. Antihistamines may be prescribed, and in more serious situations, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They should be used exclusively as prescribed by a veterinarian, since uncontrolled use and excess dosage can lead to a decrease in immunity, which will cause the opposite effect and the development of lichen.

You can use topical remedies, including various oils, such as sea buckthorn or apricot. They reduce itching, moisturize the skin, and reduce flaking. The most important thing when treating pityriasis rosea is to follow a set of measures to increase the cat’s immunity and eliminate the impact of negative factors.

Treatment of weeping lichen

In some cases, for example, when a cat is pregnant, treatment of deprivation with aggressive drugs cannot be carried out so as not to harm future kittens. In such situations, medicinal plants, alcohol, iodine and various oils are used. Treatment with traditional recipes is possible only in the initial stages of the disease.

Oregano, valerian, tricolor violet, burdock, chamomile, plantain, yarrow and many other plants are used in herbal medicine for lichen. The recipes involve the preparation of decoctions for oral administration or solutions for topical use.

There are several useful recipes for treating lichen in cats.

• Mix equal parts of nettle, string, oregano and violet leaves. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into 200 ml of boiling water, let stand for 20 minutes, then strain. Give your cat this drink warm 3-4 times a day before meals.
• Mix chamomile flowers, horsetail herb, valerian root, creeping thyme herb and licorice root in equal proportions. Pour 1 tablespoon of the collection into 200 ml of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 25-30 minutes, then strain. Give the cat a decoction similar to the previous recipe until complete recovery.
• Dilute a crushed aspirin tablet in 30 ml of alcohol. Treat the affected areas with the resulting solution once every 5-7 days.
• Iodine is good for topical use. It can be applied in its pure form, or it can be pre-mixed with valerian and vegetable oil.
• Tea tree essential oil has antifungal properties and helps improve the overall condition of the skin in cats with lichen. It is used in diluted form: 3-4 drops must be diluted in a tablespoon of olive oil.

Prevention

The best way to prevent lichen in cats is vaccination. It is also supported by the fact that many varieties of fungus are resistant to antimicrobial drugs, and the veterinarian is not always able to choose the right effective remedy. Timely vaccinations can protect your pet from disease for a long time.

To prevent lichen, the Polivak TM or Vakderm-F vaccines are used. The drug is administered twice with an interval of 10-14 days. Immunity appears 20-30 days after repeated administration and lasts about a year.

In addition to vaccinations, there are a number of common preventive recommendations to prevent lichen infection:

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Ringworm is the medical term for a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair and claws of cats. The most famous of them is microsporosis, or ringworm. This disease occurs in dogs and other mammals. In cats, this infection is more common in long-haired breeds than short-haired ones. Ringworm in cats is diagnosed mainly in kittens or young cats.

Symptoms of lichen

In cats affected by ringworm, symptoms in the initial stages are associated with the death of skin cells. These cells can lead to:

• to dandruff
• deterioration of coat condition
• to redness and irritation of the skin
• darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Hair loss (alopecia)

These symptoms typically affect a circular area on the skin. The classic sign of lichen in cats is patchy (circular) hair loss.

Other lesions characteristic of ringworm include nodular, rounded, or granulomatous lesions. Inflammations, also known as paronychia, can begin in the folds of skin bordering the claw.

The listed symptoms are just some of the possible signs of ringworm in cats; many of them are asymptomatic. These types of cats that are infected with ringworm are classified as asymptomatic carriers - they carry the disease-causing fungus but do not show visible signs of the disease. It is important to understand that even if they do not appear sick, these cats are contagious to humans and other animals.

Causes of infection are deprived

Ringworm is by far the most common cause of dermatophytosis (fungal disease) in cats. The incidence varies greatly by geographic location. Areas that are densely populated with animals (such as kennels or animal shelters), or that are heavily polluted and lack quarantine, significantly increase the risk of contracting shingles.

Having a weakened immune system or taking immunosuppressive medications (factors that reduce the body's ability to mount a normal immune response) increases the likelihood that your cat will develop a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails.

Diagnostics

The veterinarian will scrape a fungal culture from the skin and perform a microscopic examination of the sample. A biopsy may be needed. Diagnostics may also require ultraviolet light (Fluorescent diagnostics).

Treatment of deprivation

Ringworm in most cats can be treated at home on an outpatient basis, but it is important to consider quarantine procedures due to the infectious and zoonotic (transmittable to humans) nature of the disease. Your veterinarian should prescribe antifungal medications. An Elizabethan collar (a wide collar around the neck) is often recommended to prevent licking and ingestion of medications applied to the cat's skin.

Fungal culture is the only way to monitor a cat's treatment. The condition of many animals may improve with treatment, but a fungal culture may produce positive results. It is advisable to continue treatment until at least one test is negative. Blood tests should be performed weekly or twice if the cat is receiving griseofulvin or another antifungal antibiotic. In addition, a blood test will help monitor liver health in cats receiving ketoconazole or itraconazole.

It is also important to understand that unprofessional use of medications in the treatment of lichen can increase the likelihood of the disease becoming chronic.

Prevention of lichen

To prevent infection of other animals, it is important to quarantine the infected animal and test all animals in the home. An infected cat should be treated properly to prevent recurrence of the disease. Rodents should also be considered as possible carriers of the disease. If you suspect that your cat is dealing with rodents, it is highly recommended that you take the necessary steps to eliminate the pests.

FAQ

What is ringworm?

What are the main symptoms of ringworm?

The classic symptoms of ringworm in cats are skin lesions that usually appear on the head, ears and front legs. Ringworm can cause bald patches that appear red in the central area. In mild cases, localized areas of redness or simply dandruff appear on the skin.

How do cats get shingles?

Cats can become infected through direct or indirect contact with an infected animal, through bedding, dishes and other items that have been contaminated with cells or hair from infected animals. Ringworm spores are very viable and can survive in the environment for more than one year.

Which cats are most vulnerable to shingles?

Any cat can become infected, but kittens less than a year old and older cats are most vulnerable to the disease. Long-haired cats and animals with weakened immune systems are also more likely to become infected.

What should you do if your cat is likely to have shingles?

The infection can potentially spread throughout your cat's entire body, so it is important to take her to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. And since shingles can be spread to you and other animals, it is recommended to immediately quarantine the animal while your veterinarian makes a diagnosis. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after every contact with your cat.

How is ringworm diagnosed?

Because some cats have few to no symptoms, diagnosis is rarely made based on appearance and physical examination. Diagnosis may require ultraviolet light, microscopic examination, or culture.

How to treat lichen?

Treatment for shingles depends on the severity of the infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe a shampoo or ointment that contains special medications that can kill the fungus. In some cases, oral medications are necessary. It may take up to several months to completely eradicate the fungus. This is important to avoid relapse of the disease.

How to prevent the spread of lichen?

If your veterinarian has diagnosed ringworm, he or she should explain what you can do to prevent the fungus from spreading to other pets and family members. Your doctor may recommend the following measures:

• Bathing or rinsing all pets with a special shampoo.
• Washing all bedding and disinfecting toys of the infected animal.
• Disposal of items that cannot be completely disinfected.
• Frequent vacuuming to remove hair and skin cells from the house.
• Strict personal hygiene rules after bathing or touching the cat.

What can happen if shingles is not treated?

If a cat with ringworm is not treated properly, the fungus can spread to large areas of the animal's body, leading to hair loss and skin infections.

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