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Cat Ringworm -- Symptoms and Signs

By: Kurt Schmitt. Cat ringworm is the most common infectious skin disease in domestic felines. It's actually not a worm at all, but a contagious fungal infection that is easily spread.

In many cases this disease resolves itself, without treatment, within 6 to 8 weeks. Since it's very common for cats to pass this disease on, your veterinarian may prescribe treatment anyway. Cats with compromised immune systems may take longer to heal and may not heal at all without treatment.

Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a fungus which feeds on keratin. Keratin is a protein found in skin, hair and nails.

This disease gets its name from the easy to spot, round ring-like marks it leaves on the skin. The classic ringworm symptom presents as patches of hair loss which appear as circular scaly areas with raised edges.

The initial symptoms include dry, flaky skin. The most common locations for infection are the head, face, ears, tail, and paws. In addition, you may see bald areas on the legs, ears, and around the eyes.

In severe cases in cats with compromised immune systems, more serious symptoms may develop. If left untreated, crusty lesions that may become red and sore, as well as infected may develop.

Cat ringworm symptoms include broken hair and hair loss, either in irregular or circular patterns throughout the body, although some cats may lose no hair. You may also notice bumpy, scaly, red, or inflamed skin, and deformed claws. The affected areas may or may not itch.

Only your veterinarian can diagnose cat ringworm. You should call your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has this illness.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Kurt Schmitt has created an online resource for cat lovers and writes about the symptoms of cat illnesses including cat ringworm This and other unique content 'cat ringworm' articles are available with free reprint rights.

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