Fortunately, there are not too many infectious diseases that are transmitted to people from cats. Some of them in the townsfolk cause fear, and a fastidious attitude towards all animals. All this is due to lack of information and unsubstantiated rumors that frighten people. Microsporia, which is popularly known as ringworm , refers specifically to such legendary infections. Why did she get so famous? And how much is this disease dangerous for us?
Microsporia in cats - symptoms
This disease people have known for a long time. It was very prosperous in the old days, when sanitary rules were almost not observed, and there was almost no prevention. Everything was aggravated by the fact that the vitality of the pathogenic organism is very high, and it can last for years. The incubation period of microsporia in cats lasts long enough - up to three months. Help to spread the microspores poor conditions for pets, poor food, dirt, contact with various stray animals and rodents. All this leads to a weakening in cats or dogs of immunity, and subsequent infection.
First of all, the owners should carefully study the appearance of their cats. After all, it starts with a small, hairless, rounded spot. Let it initially very small, but rather quickly the infection covers the entire body of the unfortunate animal. These spots are oily to the touch, and have a scaly grayish crust. With a superficial form, the disease can be difficult to determine, especially in long-haired cats. Atypical form of microsporia is characterized by the appearance of hairless areas, which can be confused first with abrasions or abrasions. In the most neglected cases, we can deal with a deep form. In this case, the crust covers the entire area of the affected skin, and the inflammation is so pronounced that lichen is no longer confused with another disease. The foci acquire a pink shade, merge with each other, the skin is peeling off, and the wool is supposed to break at one level.
How to treat microsporia in cats?
It is best not to delay the treatment so that the disease does not acquire a threatening character, covering the entire body. At the slightest suspicion, contact a veterinarian who can quickly diagnose with a Wood lamp, do a scraping and wool test in a cat. Treatment of microsporia in cats produces salicylic ointment, salicylic alcohol and iodine, various antifungal preparations are selected. It must be remembered that it is possible to make sure that the animal has recovered, only after carrying out laboratory tests, which must be done at least two times with an interval of fourteen days.
One of the methods for preventing microsporia in cats is vaccination . The drug Vakderm-F is administered twice in 14 days, and within a month the animal will have sustained immunity. There are other vaccines against pathogenic fungi - Polivac, Microderm, which must be applied strictly following the instructions. The vaccination of animals has always caused fierce controversy related to the effectiveness of this procedure and side effects that sometimes arise. In any case, even after the vaccination, it is never worth to cancel other preventive measures and personal hygiene.
Microsporia in cats is unlikely to be eradicated forever. In the wild, it affects animals, and from them along the chain is transmitted to domestic pets. In addition, mushrooms have always surrounded us at all times. They often do not show themselves until the person or cat is absolutely healthy. Many years the pathogens are hiding on the skin or wool of living beings, waiting for their time. But it is worth the immunity to weaken as a result of a trauma or other disease, as the infection begins its development and affects the host's body. Observance of the most basic sanitary and hygienic rules, and timely vaccination, have always been the main condition for those people who decided to get themselves pets.