Warm humid weather provides ideal conditions for the growth of fungi, both environmental and host dependent. In these conditions the fungal skin infection known as ringworm becomes more common in pets. Ringworm can affect most animals, causing hair loss and scaly, sometimes itchy, skin. In cats it is usually initially
seen on the ear tips, nose and paws. There is haphazard hair loss and the skin looks powdery. In dogs, it causes more distinct lesions with a circular raised, and often pink, appearance. Lesions may be anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the face. In humans, ringworm presents as an itchy scaly red patch anywhere on the body. It is probably most common on arms, hands or legs. If you suspect your pet has ringworm, take it to the vet who will confirm the infection by sending a hair sample for analysis and /or by checking the lesions with a special ultraviolet lamp (some fungal infections will fluoresce in UV light). The lamp is not always diagnostic as only a small percentage of fungal infections will fluoresce giving a positive result. Treatment usually requires a course of tablets given daily for one month. You may also be given washes and creams, depending on the extent and severity of the infection. If you get ringworm, do not automatically assume that you caught it from your pet. The ringworm spores are found in soil and are very common in the environment. Gardeners are probably at high risk. Not everyone or every animal develops lesions when exposed to ringworm, but some individuals are more susceptible than others. However, if you have a pet with ringworm that interacts closely with other pets in the household, it is wise to use some sort of preventative treatment such as an antifungal wash on the in-contact pets.
Dr Elsa Flint is a veterinarian and animal behaviourist in practice at Shore Vets, Devonport.
