Ringworm in multiple cat household - update 9/27

[kimlovescats]

Here is a bit I found online:
Ringworm is a fungus, and not a worm. While mildly contagious to humans, ringworm isn't as bad as many people think, so don't panic! Ringworm is not dangerous to cats, or to humans except for young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. It typically appears as a roundish bald spot commonly found around a cat's face, ears, head, paws, and tail accompanied by scabby, reddish or grayish welts.

Common treatments include twice or more daily applications of over-the-counter anti-fungal creams to the affected spots. An Anti-flea medication called Program® (Lufenuron) may also be effective in treating Ringworm, but its use is "off label". Your vet can ask the manufacturer (Novartis) to fax the studies and dosage information. Lime dips, and other prescribed medications may be worth reserving for more serious cases.

In humans, ringworm looks like round reddish welts. Avoid sun exposure to the welts, and apply anti-fungal cream on and around the welts at least twice a day. Consult your doctor if you're concerned or if the welts are spreading.

.................

I had a small ringworm outbreak in my kennel a few years back, I gave a few baths, applied some spray anti-fungal on some areas, anti-fungal creams on others, and let it run its course. I know many people panic over it, but it's not all that bad .... ugly, but not harmful or life-threatening. I would much rather have a ringworm outbreak than a coccidia outbreak!!!!

Good luck, and try not to stress too much over this!

Hugs,
Kim

[Lizzie]

The problem is, I do have cats with compromised immune systems - my FIV+ boys, and so I really need to battle the infection. If I didn't have them, I would be more laid back about the problem.

You raise an interesting question though and I'm going to post a new thread in Cat Health asking why people who have cats with healthy immune systems treat ringworm since the medication can damage the liver, and have other side effects.

[kimlovescats]

The problem is, I do have cats with compromised immune systems - my FIV+ boys, and so I really need to battle the infection. If I didn't have them, I would be more laid back about the problem.

You raise an interesting question though and I'm going to post a new thread in Cat Health asking why people who have cats with healthy immune systems treat ringworm since the medication can damage the liver, and have other side effects.

You are right, with the FIV+ kitties I would be more concerned with the outbreak having more of an affect on them! My vet told me about the liver and kidney risks with the medication, so I opted to try local treatment and thankfully that was all I needed!

[Reachoutrescue]

Lizzie, I know what you are going through...I have three kits here with ringworm. I am worried my boys are going to get it....let's hope we are in the clear. Keep me posted, and I will do the same.

[Lizzie]

After a lot of thought, and after seeing that two of the kittens are having rather loose stools, I decided to wait on giving the oral medication and treat topically for now. I accidentally left the shampoo at the vet's last night so tonight was the first application - not easy because the lesions are very close to the top and side of his eye. Then I had to apply Conofite which really stung him. He now has a second small lesion above his left eye and a bloody mark in his ear - so back to the vet to check on that tomorrow. I'm checking everyone in the household each evening and have found no ringworm on any of the other cats so far, but it's early days yet.

My own lesion is clearing up nicely with the lime juice and aloe vera treatment. I must remember to buy betadine or a chlorhexidine soap tomorrow, and some soft gloves to wear in this isolation room, my hands are already red and sore from constant washing.

[smokey the elder]

I had an outbreak 3 years ago. My vet prescribed Program (high dose, I forget what it was) and Trezaderm for the spots. It took about 2 months to clear up. One of the kittens never got it, even though she was in with two infected kittens.

[Lizzie]

I brought up Program with my vet since so many PT'ers had mentioned it and he said it didn't really help. I wish I could use lime juice and aloe vera on Cattulus as well as myself but, besides being "alternative" medicine that I don't mind experimenting with on myself but believe I shouldn't on a cat, the poor kitten would literally go up the wall if I put lime juice on the open lesions.