Ringworm in Dogs and Cats - What are the Symptoms and Treatment

Ringworm is one of the most widespread diseases found in pets, particularly in dogs. Contrasting its name, ringworm is not a wormal infection, rather it is a fungal infection caused by an organism known as Dermatophytes that thrives on dead tissues there on skin surface and takes a circular path to spread infection.

Ringworm is a skin disease and that is generally obtained by your pet from his surroundings. There are about thirty five different species of fungi that are responsible for causing this problems and most of it is caused by one species known as Mircosporum Canis, which is responsible for majority of ringworm cases.

There are three specific fungi of significance in this disease.

Microsporum canis - The source of this species of Ringworm is always a cat, especially long-haired cats.
Microsporum gypseum - This species of Ringworm is usually from dogs and cats that dig into infected soil.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes - This species infects dogs and cats when they are uncovered to rodents or the burrows they live in.

Signs of Ringworm

Dogs with fungal infection often have very peculiar symptoms. The classic symptom is a small round lesion that does not have hairs. The lesion will frequently have scaly skin in the center. Small pustules are generally found in the lesion. The lesion may start as a small spot and persist to grow in size. The lesion may or may not be annoying and itchy. The lesions are most frequent on the head but can on any part of the body like on legs, feet or tail. The condition can often emerge like, and be confused with, demodectic mange. In some infections, the fungus will not be in a circular form and can spread across the face or nose and look like an autoimmune disorder

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Prevention of infection

There are currently no dependable vaccines for the avoidance of ringworm in pets. Grooming and boarding facilities, as well as pet’s shows and veterinary clinics can often be a source of infection. Make sure the amenities are clean and that all surfaces and instruments are thoroughly cleaned and sterile amongst animals.

Treatment of Ringworm

Most small, remote lesions on healthy dogs and puppies will cure on their own within four months. In more rigorous cases, several different treatments methods are being applied. For isolated lesions, the area around the lesion should be carefully clipped down close to the skin. Proper care should be taken when clipping is done as one should not annoy or disturb the skin, as this may endorse spreading of the infection.

Ayurveda has various herbs that are beneficial in treating such infections.

1. Butea (Butea monosperma) - The seeds of butea or palash are efficient in treating numerous skin problems including ringworm and eczema. A poultice of the leaves is arranged and applied on the affected regions.

2. Cassia (Cassia fistula) - The leaves of the cassia are helpful in the curing ringworm. They are grounded into a paste and applied directly over the affected parts.

3. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) - The juice of the coriander leaves mixed with some turmeric (haldi) is ussually given to a patient who suffers from ringworm infection. It is also helpful if the skin becomes extremely dry and develops ringworm, particularly in the winter season.

4. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) - The juice of the holy basil leaves or tulasi are applied locally on the affected regions. The ringworm fades away after constant application for a few weeks.

5. Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) - A mixture of the leaves of leadwort or chitrak is made into a paste with salt and water. This mixture is directly applied on the affected part. This herb is advantageous even for the enormously stubborn ringworm marks.

6. Neem (Azadiractha indica) – It is popularly known as the neem tree in Indian sub-continent. It is one of the best treatments for ringworm and is used comprehensively in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used in a diverse ways for both internal and external administration.

7. Haldi (Curcuma longa) – Turmeric or haldi is used since prehistoric times in the treatment of ringworm. A mixture of the turmeric powder is made and is applied directly on the affected part of the skin. Haldi is also given mixed with honey (madhu) to the patient in oral form.