RINGWORM at the Sirrah house...argh updated 4/11/07

[Killearn Kitties]

Oh dear I'm sorry to hear about poor Emily. Ringworm is not something I have experience of, but I will be sending good vibes to Emily and you.

[Lizzie]

I didn't have to bathe my cats either, just shampoo each affected area with KetoChlor, rinse, shampoo again and leave on for ten minutes, then rinse. I wasn't able to do this to the kitten who had ringworm across her nose and eyes and she took by far the longest to clear up even though she was the only one who I put on oral meds. She was on Griseofulvin, which is horrifically expensive, and we used a fungicide ointment, but her ringworm was very resistant. I told the vet I couldn't afford any more Griseofulvin and he gave me a prescription for one of the new oral fungicides, which I got at Costco for $25 for a six week course, and it worked. Of course, each area of ringworm goes away by itself after about six weeks, so it's hard to tell what is working.

It's a frustrating infection to deal with. Every vet has their pet theories. Every cat responds differently and copes differently.

I isolated my kittens because some of my adult cats are FIV+. If they got it, it would take many months to get rid of and they can't take the oral meds. If you check your other cats daily for hair loss spots, you can jump on them with shampoo and topicals right away.

When I gave Miss Zoomalot the syringes of oral med, I sat her upright against my knees so her head wasn't tilted right back. I aimed for the side of the mouth, if I could. That does sound scary that Emily choked. In your place, I would keep my eye on her because even though it sounds like she was able to cough it all up, she might not have been able to get rid of it all. I'm sorry your vet techs are not more supportive, they should be able to give you a practical demonstration. If I'm going through something new like this, I take mine to the vet and have the techs watch me to make sure I'm doing things right, no charge.

[sirrahbed]

Since the vet wants me to bathe Emily - I want to be compliant but wish the shampoo had fungicide in it to make me feel like it was more worth the trouble y'know? The Hexadene is available with miconazole but that is not what he sold me...I have only given cat-baths a handful of times and it isn't easy or fun is it.

Just a few minutes ago, Emily jumped up on my desk and let me pet her - I was so grateful! I still shudder at the thought of choking her. I think I squirted the last bit of liquid too far into her already-full mouth Now, I know I will be neurotic every time I give her the medicine. We have been wrapping her a towel and holding her close, so maybe just tipping the head will work - will try. I find myself spending so much time in the morning and evening dreading medication time even though I know it is to help her.

Lizzie - what was the newer fungicide you got at Costco? Do you remember? I would like to keep it in mind in the event that we need to treat anyone again. The Griseofulvin was $109. I did not realize that ringworm usually goes away on its own. But, I know I still want to treat Emily the best I can to minimize spreading the infection and to prevent more hairloss. I wish I had informed myself better going into this - but was so surprised to get the call that her ringworm culture was positive after a month. I hope the Program is effective because a couple doses sure would be tons less traumatic for cats. I am really glad that everyone is adult and healthy here.

I also read that if humans had not contacted ringworm by the time the cat becomes diagnosed - that they likely will not get it. I find that to be encouraging. We are all so hands-on here and my grandbabies are also here several times weekly. No humans have any signs. Fingers crossed again. I know that the ringwrm is minor compared to the truly ill cats I read about here, but I can't help being a concerned meowmie.

[smokey the elder]

I crumbled up the Program and spiked their food. I think I gave it every two weeks.

[catmandu]

We are praying that the ringworm has been vanguished as its a royal pain in the neck,
I remember volunteering at the shelter where there was a series of communal cages and that was happening all the time.
Several times I had to take meds and give preventitive meds to my 2 Cats Pouncer and Scrappy.
2 Cats , imagine how long ago that was.
Good luck to you and your Clowder.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Gosh, Debbie, what a nightmore for poor little Emily and you! I sure hope nobody else gets it - 4 legged or 2!

Sounds like you're doing everything you can for her though, so keep up the good work and before you know it this will all be a bad dream that is behind you.