Ringworm

This fortnight we thought we would tackle the subject of ringworm. More correctly called dermatophytosis, ringworm is not a worm but caused by a group of fungi with the main offender being Microsporum spp. It causes a red ring lesion on the skin that often is itchy in people, but not in pets.

These fungi live on the hair shaft and feed on the outer dead layers of both animals and humans skin. They are highly contagious between humans and between humans and animals, making this an important disease within a community. Pretty attractive huh? Kids are the most likely ones to catch the disease, because of their close contact with pets and their more vulnerable immune system, but adults that are immune-compromised due to disease or stress or similar are also prone. A lesion can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks to develop after exposure.

The disease is common in cats, dogs and horses, but is basically seen in any animal. Some animals show no symptoms of the disease while harbouring and shedding the fungal spores, so act as carriers spreading it to other animals and people.

The disease is important because it is a contagious zoonoses (spread between animals and humans), but it is straightforward (if frustrating) to treat and is certainly not life-threatening. Once ringworm is correctly identified it can be treated with specially medicated shampoos, creams or tablets in pets, and creams available from the chemist for humans. The frustrating part is that all pet hair in the environment is a potential source of re-infection. So to effectively control the disease all pet hair must be removed from furniture, clothing (animal jammies included!), carpets and bedding- no small feat if you have long haired or multiple pets.

I hope this clears up some of the myths associated with the social stigma of ringworm, and although I wish you and your pets a ringworm-free existence if your family or pets are affected please contact us at the clinic so we can help.