Ringworms are one of the most deceiving skin problems that affect dogs. If you think you are going to find a worm, you’re going to be searching from now to eternity.
That’s because ringworm received its name long before man realized that there was no worm involved. The condition is actually caused by two main types of microscopic fungus – microsporum canis and microsporum gyseum.
Ringworm, which is the most common fungal disease found in dogs, should not be taken lightly because it is highly contagious and can be transmitted from dog to dog, dog to human and human to dog.
Ringworm, which can affect the skin, nails and hair, is characterized by red, hairless patches of skin. These patches, which have pale skin in the center, can very quickly make your well-cared for dog look like he or she just got off a chain at the local junkyard. The hairless patches that are usually circular in shape may start out small, but they will grow in size.
Any person or dog that is exposed to ringworm should be watched carefully for signs of the disease. It takes about two weeks to develop after the initial exposure to an animal infected with ringworm.
The fungus that causes ringworm is spread by spores that can live up to 18 months in bedding and places where animals tend to rest. If you take your dog to be professionally groomed, be sure that sanitary measures are taken because the spores can survive on the grooming tools.
Veterinarians use three different tests to diagnose ringworm. One is the “woods test.” The vet will use a black light with a magnifying lens to detect the problem.
Approximately 50 percent of ringworm fungus shows up as florescent under black light.
The “microscopic test” is performed by removing a hair from around an infected area. The hair is then placed in a special solution that highlights the fungus under the microscope. This test is deemed to be 40 to 70 percent effective for diagnosing ringworm infections.
The “culture test” is probably the most effective way to accurately determine if the problem is ringworm. The veterinarian will actually take a skin scraping and have it cultured.
While all dogs are susceptible to ringworm, it is usually puppies and unhealthy dogs that are the easiest prey for the fungus. That is because healthy adult dogs have an active immune system that can fight off ringworm before it develops into an infection.
Although ringworm is very common, it is an infection that is not very serious. Once diagnosed by a veterinarian, a common form of treatment is an anti-fungal shampoo that you will have to use to bathe your dog every other day for at least a week.
It is very important to thoroughly clean the dog’s bedding, brushes and combs to insure that the infection does not continue to be reintroduced.
Some vets may choose to prescribe anti-fungal creams that need to be applied to visible lesions daily for 10 days.
In severe cases of ringworm, oral medications may be prescribed. It may also be necessary to completely shave the dog to remove all traces of the fungus that may still be clinging to hair shafts.
Those who prefer holistic methods of treatment can try bathing the dog with a gentle herbal shampoo. Follow that with a mixture of equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. The solution should be sponged onto the dog. Do not towel dry the dog. Allow the mixture to remain on the dog while he or she dries naturally. This treatment should be performed for a week to 10 days.
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