Treatment of Microsporum canis in cats. Dermatomycosis (ringworm), dermatophytes, dermatomycetes in cats and kittens

Dermatomycosis is common name a special group of skin diseases. The causative agents are microscopic fungi that actively reproduce on the dog’s skin. How does dermatomycosis manifest, and what treatment is there?

Dermatomycosis is a group of skin diseases caused by fungi. There are several varieties of this disease (depending on the pathogen). U (causative agent – ​​Trichophyton) and microsporia (causative agent – ​​Microsporum). Scab (exc. ​​– Achorion) is rarely observed.

Fungi can survive in hair and skin for several years, but Sun rays And heat(90-100 degrees) destroy them in a few minutes. In the soil, dermatomycosis pathogens persist for up to 3 months.

Routes of infection

Sources of pathogens are sick animals (dogs, cats, rodents). Fungi penetrate the skin through wounds, scratches and cracks.

A pet can become infected in two ways:

• At direct contact with a sick individual;
• Through common objects on which fungi persist (beds, combs, ammunition).

Important.Incubation period Ringworm lasts up to three months (on average 1-4 weeks). All types of the disease are dangerous for humans and other pets.

Clinical signs of the disease and diagnosis

Dermatomycosis occurs in two forms: follicular (deep) and atypical (erased). The first is observed in weakened and young dogs, the second – in pets with a strong immune system. Without treatment, the atypical form becomes follicular.

• on various areas small well-defined spots are formed on the body;
• at atypical form the skin on the affected areas is dry and peeling;
• the fur on the outbreaks either falls out or breaks off;
• with the follicular form, pus is observed in the affected areas, which dries and forms a crust.

The symptoms of trichophytosis resemble microsporia, but usually this form of dermatomycosis occurs in a deep form. Visible on affected areas copious discharge containing pus. After they dry, a thick crust forms. At severe course The disease affects the dog's claws and fingertips.

The following signs are characteristic of scab:

• the fungus penetrates not only into the dermis, but also into bone tissue, and in severe cases affects internal organs;
• lesions are observed on the head, paws (near the claws), ears;
• on the affected areas the skin becomes covered with scabs (they look like a cup with a small depression in the middle);
• The fur on the outbreaks does not break off, but falls out completely.

Reference. Dermatomycosis is diagnosed in several ways. Most exact method(up to 80%) – sowing (fungus cultivation). Another method is microscopy (sensitivity up to 40%).

The most common method is examination with a Wood's lamp (in the dark, the affected areas are illuminated with a device: the mushrooms have a bright green color). The effectiveness of such a study is low, since there is a chance of getting a false positive or false negative result.

Treatment of ringworm in dogs

To treat all types of dermatomycosis, vaccines, shampoos, ointments, tablets and solutions are used. To strengthen the immune system, vitamins are included in your pet's diet.

Vaccines

The use of vaccines is an effective way to treat dermatomycosis. They are administered for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.

Here are the main drugs for fungi:

1. Polivak-TM. It has a light brownish color, sedimentation is allowed (the drug is shaken before use). For dermatomycosis, the vaccine is injected into the muscle every 10-14 days (for treatment - 3 times 0.5-0.6 ml, for prevention - 2 times 0.3 ml).
2. Vakderm. The drug has a yellow-brown color. The vaccine is injected into the muscle twice (first into one limb, and after 10-14 days into the other). For treatment and prevention, the dosage is the same: dogs less than 5 kg - 0.5 ml, more - 1 ml.
3. Microderm. This drug is available in two forms: dry (gray-yellow porous mass) and liquid (ready-made solution). The dry vaccine is diluted with saline or distilled water (1 ml of liquid per 1 dose). Liquid form Shake before use. The drug is injected into the dog’s muscle once, but if the symptoms of dermatomycosis have not disappeared, the procedure is repeated after 10-14 days. The dosage is calculated according to the weight and age of the pet (puppies - 0.5-1 ml, adults - 1-2 ml).

After administering any of the vaccines, a hard lump may form at the injection site, but it will resolve within a couple of days. The drugs should not be used if the pet has an elevated body temperature.

Drug treatment

If vaccines against dermatomycosis are contraindicated for your pet, antibiotics against fungi in tablets are used for treatment (dosages are selected by the doctor):

• Griseofulvin (toxic drug, use with caution);
• Nizoral or Ketoconazole.

Be sure to carry out external skin treatments. The hair around the affected areas is trimmed (it is better to shave long-haired dogs if there are many lesions). Anti-fungal ointments are applied to the skin in the morning and evening: Clotrimazole, Nystatin, Ketoconazole, etc. In case of deep dermatomycosis, the pet is washed medicated shampoos(Nizoral, etc.) twice a week.

Irradiation of lesions has a good effect quartz lamp(Ural Federal District). At first, the procedure lasts no more than 30 seconds, then the time is gradually increased to 2 minutes (course of treatment - 10-15 sessions). During irradiation, it is necessary to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.

Prevention of ringworm in dogs

Outbreaks of ringworm often occur in communities where a large number of dogs (kennels, foster care, markets, etc.), so the area should be regularly treated with alkali and solutions of salicylic or carbolic acids. The premises are disinfected with quartz lamps.

Attention. Pets who often visit exhibitions and other places where animals gather are recommended to be vaccinated against ringworm once a year. The disease is dangerous for humans, so follow safety precautions when interacting with an infected animal (wash your hands, change clothes, isolate your pet in a separate room).

Ringworm is not a life-threatening, but very unpleasant disease, because all family members and pets can become infected from a sick dog. If you notice unusual bald patches appearing on your pet's skin, consult a dermatologist.

The zooanthroponotic disease dermatomycosis in cats is caused by microscopic pathogenic fungi. The disease is mainly characterized by infection of the skin and coat, but it systemic course may cause damage to the animal's internal organs.

What kind of disease this is is difficult to recognize in the first period of development, which makes it a serious medical and social problem. It is at this moment that the cat becomes a source of infection for other pets and people. The pathogen is quite stable to the external environment and can remain active indoors for 2-3 months, and when released into the soil for up to 10 years.

Dermatomycosis and its pathogens

The main manifestation of dermatomycosis is the appearance on the animal’s skin of lesions with sparse hair or no hair at all. With this disease, the epidermis, hair shaft and the skin itself are affected.

The photo shows the causative agent of dermatomycosis, magnified under a microscope.

The most common is:

• infection caused by 2 pathogens: trichophytosis and microsporia;
• Cats of any age can become infected, young animals are especially susceptible;
• transmission of the disease occurs at any time of the year;
• the incubation period is 5-40 days, depending on the animal’s immune system.

The disease is caused by spores of imperfect dermatophyte fungi that feed on the horny derivatives of the epidermis of the skin.

Dermatophyte pathogens are divided into several groups:

• The habitat of geophiles is the ground, infection occurs after contact with the soil;
• carriers of zoophilic pathogens are animals, they are transmitted under the condition of similarity of keratin;
• Anthropophilic diseases infect people from each other; the disease can be epidemic in nature.

Classification occurs depending on the type of tissue affected:

• with epidermophytosis, the stratum corneum of the epidermis suffers;
• disturbances in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and hairline are caused by;
• onychomycosis affects the horny mass of the nails.

A cat becomes infected during contact with another animal or at the moment of contact with inseminated objects or soil.

Ways of infection of animals

Dermatomycosis is caused by different kinds imperfect mushrooms. These types of diseases have similar clinical manifestations, which is why they are called “”.

Spores are round or oval shape, from 3 to 8 microns, located in chain-rows outside and/or inside the hair along its length, forming a cover at the base:

• endothrix – develop only internally;
• ectothrix - surrounds the hair in the form of a sheath;
• neoendothrix - located inside and outside.

Cats can contract ringworm through bedding or from infected animals.

The mycelial hyphae, having broken up into spores, often remain united in short chains. The pathogen begins to manifest itself at a temperature of 25-28 degrees after a time period ranging from 7 days to six months, forming diametrically located localization sites up to 50 mm in size.

Toxins and enzymes released by fungi cause loosening and development inflammatory process in the stratum corneum of the skin. Having penetrated to the beginning of the hair follicle, they destroy it, which leads to hair loss.

The strength of the reaction depends on the type of pathogen, the condition of the animal’s skin and its body. If the outcome is unfavorable, the fungus penetrates into the dermis and a microabcess forms. At favorable conditions can reproduce in soil. They remain in the affected hair for several years.

The following has a detrimental effect on fungal spores:

• ultra-violet rays;
• boil for 2 minutes;
• a temperature of 60-62 degrees kills after 2 hours;
• exposure to acids and alkalis destroys the pathogen in 15-30 minutes.

Important. Transmission of infection to cats can occur through contaminated bedding, grooming items, through direct and indirect contact with a sick animal, during a walk, and even through mouse-like rodents.

Signs of the disease and diagnosis

Poor living and feeding conditions for cats, the presence of injuries on their skin in the form of abrasions, scratches or scratches, uncontrolled walking of pets and their contact with sick individuals are the main causes of infection. Stray infected cats pose a particular danger in the spread of the disease.

The incubation period can last 3-4 weeks. Lesions may be focal character or be distributed throughout the animal's body.

At " ringworm» ( ) clinical symptoms diseases have a superficial form:

• limited scaly patches;
• crusts form on the skin;
• hair in the affected areas is sparse;
• wool breaks easily.

A specialist can tell you whether this mushroom is dangerous for people after examining the animal.

Attention. In adults, a latent form is often observed, in which there is no massive formation of crusts, scales and hair loss. The disease can only be diagnosed using a fluorescent examination.

Trichophytosis is characterized by:

• formation of areas of inflamed skin;
• flaky scaly surface in places where the pathogen is localized;
• sharply defined lesions with broken hair.

The diagnosis is made by specialists based on the results of microscopic and luminescent studies, as well as a set of characteristic clinical signs.

At-risk groups

Fungal diseases are very dangerous. They are easily transmitted from infected animals to healthy individuals and humans.

There are certain representatives of the cat family that are more susceptible to infection than others and are at risk:

• kittens and young individuals up to 12 months due to an insufficiently mature immune system;
• cats and cats over 10 years old, as their immunity is already weakened;
• animals having chronic diseases and oncological diseases;
• are susceptible to fungal infections stronger than their own;
• animals kept in shelters and living in the wild.

Cats that live in large groups are more susceptible to dermatomycosis.

At in good condition pet's health, mild illnesses can end in self-recovery and go unnoticed by the owners.

The disease is easily transmitted to people, children are especially susceptible to infection.

Treatment at home for dermatomycosis and microsporia is carried out with medications.

When caring for a sick animal, you need to take the following precautions:

• perform all actions with gloves;
• clothes and care items are boiled in a special solution after use;
• after the course of treatment, it is necessary to dispose of the bedding and other objects that the cat came into contact with;
• All animals living in the same household must be isolated and treated.

Advice. Long-haired cats and cats must be shaved or cut very short during treatment.

Treatment methods

The duration of the treatment course may take several months. It depends on the number of animals in the house and the conditions under which they are kept. Local therapy using creams and ointments is required.

The drug should be applied to the infected area of ​​the skin and cover a distance of at least 5-6 cm around it. The use of immunostimulants and antifungal drugs is mandatory.

The main means are:

• Itraconazole;
• Griseofulvin;
• Lamisil and others.

Side effects caused by these drugs:

• nausea, vomiting;
• lethargy, anemia;
• diarrhea, fever.

The drug Nizoral is used to treat ringworm in cats.

In addition, there is a vaccine against one of the varieties of the virus. Healthy cats and female cats are vaccinated with it. The course consists of 3 injections, which are given over 4 months according to the instructions for the drug.

Simultaneously with the treatment of the animal, it is necessary to disinfect the premises. For this purpose it is carried out wet cleaning surfaces with a chlorine solution diluted in a ratio of 1/10. Daily cleaning of carpet surfaces, upholstered furniture steam and washing clothes.

Dermatophytoses - infectious diseases keratinized tissues (skin, hair, nails) caused by fungi of the Microsporum, Trichophyton or Epidermophyton species

The most common cause of disease in cats is Microsporum canis. In dogs, the disease is most often caused by Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum. Other, less common causes of dermatophytoses include Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum persicolor, Microsporum erinacei, Microsporum verrucosum.

Dermatophytes can be isolated from the skin and hair of cats (especially those kept in nurseries and shelters that attend exhibitions) without visible lesions (more often in Persian kittens). In places where animals gather in large numbers, a serious problem is the spread of fungal spores that remain viable for 18 months (according to some sources up to 52 months) in the environment.

Exists breed predisposition to the occurrence of dermatophytosis. For example, Jack Russell terriers are more often affected by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton erinacei, German shorthaired pointers M.gypseum, Yorkshire terriers and Pekingese M.canis. Longhaired Persian and Himalayan cats are more likely than other cats to be diagnosed as asymptomatic carriers of M. canis.

After infection with dermatophytes immunocompetent cells animal involves the systems of cellular and humoral immunity, which ultimately free the body from infection. The inflammatory response leads to an increase in epidermal proliferation, which, in turn, leads to the cleansing of the epidermis from dermatophytes (in the process of desquamation of horn cells). Immune status does not guarantee absolute resistance, although a more rapid onset is observed with subsequent infections clinical manifestations and a trend toward shorter disease duration.

At experimental infection the lesion covers the maximum area after 5 weeks.

CLINICAL PICTURE IN SMALL DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Clinical symptoms of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in cats can vary from asymptomatic carriage to skin lesions with eschar formation. The typical manifestation of the disease is single or multiple, rapidly spreading ring-shaped lesions of round or irregular shape, accompanied by erythema, scales and alopecia with a diameter of about 3 cm, most often found on the head and limbs. Itching and inflammation with localized lesions may occur but are usually minimal. Other manifestations of dermatophytoses caused by Microsporum canis include focal or generalized alopecia, papulocrustic dermatitis, localized subcutaneous granuloma, onychomycosis, and paronychia. In dogs, Microsporum canis in a generalized form causes a stronger inflammatory response than similar lesions in cats.

Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum persicolor is rare. Fungal hyphae infect the stratum corneum of the skin without affecting the hair. Clinically characterized by superficial minimal alopecia and inflammation, most often occurring on the scalp.

Dermatophytoses caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum cause a pronounced inflammatory response. Generalized skin disease is not uncommon.

Lesions on the face can be surprisingly symmetrical and may be accompanied by alopecia, erythema, crusting and furunculosis. Itching can be expressed to varying degrees.

Generalized damage can affect entire parts of the body (for example, with chronic course disease caused by M.gypseum or M.mentagrophytes). Diffuse scaly alopecia, according to some authors, occurs more often in Persian and Himalayan cats.

Pseudomycetoma, more often recorded in cats of Persian breeds and Yorkshire Terriers, characterized by occurrence in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue a node formed as a result of the growth of dermatophytes in tissues. The spores probably enter the tissue from the infected hair through destroyed hair follicles. In most cases, high body temperature inhibits the growth of fungal hyphae, and the corresponding immunocompetent cells remove them from the tissues, as foreign body(usually a boil forms and breaks open onto the surface of the skin). In some cats, granulomatous nodular reaction is accompanied by the growth of dermatophytes in the center of the lesion. Clinically, pseudomycetoma can be represented by single or multiple nodes, which rarely form fistulas and often recur after surgical excision.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
A careful clinical examination and possibly the presence of a zoonotic or anthropozoonotic lesion may hint at the presence of a dermatophyte infection, but treatment should never be initiated without a definitive diagnosis.

Microscopic examination KOH can help detect spores around the hair shaft, but this method produces many false negative results.

Examining a cat in a darkened room using a Wood's lamp (which must be warmed up before testing) may reveal a green glow (fluorescence) in some cases of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis.

Culture of suspicious material on DTM-arap or Sabouraud agar - the only way obtaining a final diagnosis.

1. Inspection using a Wood's lamp. The characteristic apple-green glow can be caused by M.canis (less than 50% of strains),
M.distortum, M.ferrugineum and anthropophilic M.audouinii, as well as bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Corynebacterium minutissimum), horny scales, soap and topical medications. When carrying out the procedure, you need to remember that the fungal hyphae are located along the hair shaft.

Fluorescence can only be observed when the invasion intensity is sufficient. Cases of infection of cats with the same strain of fungi have been recorded, when pronounced Clinical signs and a bright specific glow during luminescent diagnostics, while others were asymptomatic carriers of the infection, and the study gave a negative result.

2. Mackenzie method. It is based on combing the wool with a sterile toothbrush or comb, followed by inoculation on a nutrient medium. This method is recommended for examining animals in large colonies in order to identify asymptomatic carriers of infection.

3. Examination using a microscope. Before collecting material for microscopic examination and culture, the skin area is treated with 70% alcohol to reduce bacterial contamination. Damaged broken hair is used for research.

Scrapings are carried out within the alopecia area, from crusts and papules.

Before performing microscopy, it is recommended to keep the material treated with 10-20% KOH at room temperature for several minutes or warm it up slightly to accelerate the dissolution of free keratin and debris. The hyphae of the fungi swell and, even with a cursory examination, you will be able to notice thickened areas with uneven contours on the hair shaft. The spores form a “sheath” around the hair and give it a vague outline. The likelihood of detecting infected hair is quite low, so this study does not make it possible to completely exclude the presence of infection.

4. Fungal culture. Sabouraud dextrose agar is used as a culture medium.

To conduct this study, there is a very convenient and informative test “Dermatophyte Test Medium” or DTM-arap, which contains Sabouraud agar, cycloheximide (inhibiting the development of saprophytic and systemic fungi), gentamicin and chlortetracycline (to minimize contamination with bacterial flora) and an indicator pH media phenol red. Dermatophytes primarily prefer to absorb proteins and, as a result, form alkaline foods exchanges that change the color of the environment to red. They produce these metabolites as the colony grows, and a change in color of the medium occurs 2-7 days after sowing (sometimes this process takes 14 days). Saprophytic fungi prefer to metabolize carbohydrates, producing neutral and acidic metabolites that do not change the color of the medium. When the supply of carbohydrates is depleted, they can utilize proteins and as a result cause the color of the medium to change to red. The result of the study can be correctly interpreted only if the growing colonies are examined daily (or every other day).

5. Roth flag method. It is carried out to make a final diagnosis and identify the pathogen. It is based on the detection of macro- and microconidia in prints from grown colonies.

6. Histopathological examination. Fungal hyphae can be found in the stratum corneum, hair follicles and around the hair shaft. The number of fungal elements detected is usually inversely proportional to the severity of the inflammatory reaction. About 80% of patients with dermatophytosis have a positive skin biopsy.

THERAPY
It must be remembered that with an effective immune response, spontaneous self-healing is possible! Despite this, treatment is necessary to avoid infection of humans and other animals.

LOCAL TREATMENTS
For animals, local treatment is less important than for people. Animals are covered with hair, which reduces the effectiveness of procedures. The area where the drug is applied should be much wider than the area visible lesion, and affect healthy tissue, because mushrooms can be cultivated from areas of fur and skin located at a distance of 6 cm from the lesion.
Local therapy should be considered as helper method treatment. The drugs used to treat animals are: 2% lime sulfur solution, povidine iodide, 0.2% enilconazole solution, 2% miconazole in cream and spray form, clotrimazole and terbinafine creams, ketoconazole shampoo, etc. P. According to some practicing dermatologists, chlorhexidine is ineffective for cleansing the skin of dermatophytes and treating the external environment. Others recommend using shampoos and rinses containing chlorhexidine at a concentration of 2-4%.

At extensive lesions It is considered more effective to wash animals after preliminary cutting and destruction of hair (this procedure is mandatory for long-haired cats and in all cases of generalized dermatophytosis). This procedure can significantly reduce contamination of the external environment with dermatophyte spores. Animals with minimal, limited demarcation barrier lesions do not require clipping.

SYSTEMIC ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS GRISEOFULVIN (Gricin. Biogrisin. Fulcin)
Griseofulvin was first isolated in 1939 and used for fungal diseases of plants. It was introduced into medical practice in 1958 and was historically the first specific antimycotic for the treatment of dermatomycosis in humans. Griseofulvin is a fungistatic antibiotic. When exposed to it, actively metabolizing young fungal cells can be killed without compromising their integrity cell wall, and in more mature cellular elements the drug only causes inhibition of reproduction. The drug is very poorly soluble in water and its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is variable and incomplete. Absorption can be improved by administering the drug together with fatty foods. The drug accumulates in the stratum corneum of the skin, its highest concentration is found in the superficial layers.

In dogs side effects when using the drug are vomiting, diarrhea, and a reversible increase in liver enzymes. Cats may experience anemia, leukopenia, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, itchy skin, sometimes ataxia. Cases of dysfunction have been described bone marrow. In cats with immunodeficiency virus, griseofulvin can lead to quite significant secondary neutropenia. Changes in bone marrow function occur due to individual intolerance to the drug and are not associated with the dosage regimen. Griseofulvin is a potential teratogen and should not be used to treat pregnant animals. In dogs and cats, the recommended dose can vary within a fairly wide range from 20 to 150 mg/kg per day, divided into 2 doses.

Given the possibility of potential idiosyncrasy, it is recommended to conduct blood tests (with mandatory platelet count) before starting treatment and after 7-10 days of therapy. If signs of bone marrow suppression are observed, treatment should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken. adjuvant therapy which may include blood transfusions (if platelet counts are very low) and antibiotic therapy (if high level leukocytes).
Prescribing to an animal this drug, you should be very careful and be sure to inform the owner about external signs anemia.

Azoles for systemic use(ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole) are well absorbed when taken orally. The bioavailability of ketoconazole and itraconazole may vary significantly depending on the level of gastric acidity and food intake. Antifungal action azoles is caused by a violation of the integrity of the fungal cell membrane and a violation of the synthesis of ergosterol, the main structural component of the fungal cell membrane. KETOCONAZOLE
Ketoconazole - synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal drug, belonging to the imidazole group. It is a potent inhibitor of ergosterol synthesis. Ketoconazole is considered a fungistatic, but under anaerobic conditions and sufficiently high concentration may have fungicidal properties. For optimal absorption it is necessary acidic environment. Used at a dosage of 5-10 mg/kg every 12 hours or 10-20 mg/kg once a day with food.

When using the drug in dogs, the most common side effects are: lack of appetite, itching, alopecia and reversible lightening of the coat.

Cats are more sensitive to the drug and may exhibit anorexia, fever, depression and diarrhea. Asymptomatic hepatitis with a reversible increase in liver enzyme levels may occur.

More serious violations liver function is caused by an individual hypersensitivity reaction and occurs in 1 in 10,000 cats. In dogs, these side effects are even less common.

Ketoconazole has a teratogenic and embryotoxic effect. ITRACONAZOLE (Irunin, Orungal)
Itraconazole has been successfully used to treat dermatophytoses in cats and dogs. Dosage 10 mg/kg 1 time per day. After 7 days daily use you can switch to so-called pulse therapy (taken every other day or every other week) while maintaining the high effectiveness of treatment. Itraconazole is much better tolerated than ketoconazole and unwanted side effects with its use occur much less frequently.

FLUCONAZOLE (Diflucan, Flucostat)
All systemic azoles, except fluconazope, are metabolized in the liver and eliminated primarily through the gastrointestinal tract. Fluconazole is different from others antifungal agents because it is excreted through the kidneys (mainly unchanged? - 80-90%) and can be used in animals with liver diseases at a dose of 10-20 mg/kg every 12 hours. TERBINAFINE (Exifin, Lamisil)
A human antifungal drug that can be used in small pets. Belongs to the group of aplylamines. It has a predominantly fungicidal effect. Unlike azoles, it blocks earlier stages of ergosterol synthesis. Has a wide spectrum of activity, however clinical significance has only an effect on pathogens of dermatomycosis. Terbinafine is used in a dosage of 20-30 mg/kg daily once a day, and then pulse therapy (every other day). The experiment did not reveal any fetotoxicity or effect of the drug on the reproductive function of animals. Very effective in the treatment of onychomycosis.

Inactivated M. canis vaccines are not sufficiently effective and should be used as part of therapy concomitantly with a systemic antifungal drug.

Treatment should be continued for 4-6 weeks and should not be stopped until a negative culture result is obtained. This is very important, since the culture result may be positive long after apparent clinical recovery. Treatment is usually continued until clinical remission, which often occurs after 4 to 6 weeks of therapy. In the case of onychomycosis, its duration can reach 6-12 months, and with severe damage surgical removal claws may become the only one effective way. Then a study is carried out using the Mackenzie method (seeding the material after combing with a sterile toothbrush). If the culture result is negative, 4 weeks after discontinuation of systemic antifungal therapy Another cultural study is being conducted. Its necessity is dictated by the possibility of a false negative result during the first study (due to the high resistance medicinal substance in hair and scales taken for analysis). Only with a repeated negative result is the animal considered clinically healthy.

Unfortunately, in practice, many owners refuse re-diagnosis and decide to end treatment based on clinical examination and Wood's lamp examination in cases of infection with fluorescent strains.

ENVIRONMENTAL TREATMENT
Areas (rooms) in the house where the animal is located should be vacuumed daily to remove contaminated hair and spores. Cells and other surfaces that are resistant to chlorine should be treated daily with household bleach 1:10 with water. Where possible, a solution of formaldehyde (10%), sodium hypochlorite, iodine or steam is used. Abroad, enilconazole spray is used to treat the external environment.

PREVENTION OF DERMATOPHYTOSIS IN NURSERY AND ANIMAL SHELTERS
The occurrence of infection in places where animals gather is extremely serious problem. Despite the implementation of all possible preventive measures, we cannot guarantee their success.

The reasons are the high resistance of spores in the external environment, a large number of false negative results during diagnosis, low efficiency of room treatments, errors in choosing drugs for the treatment of dermatophytoses, and insufficient duration of therapy.

Program for the elimination of dermatophyte infections in nurseries and animal shelters.
1. Detection of infection (clinical examination, Wood's lamp examination, Mackenzie method, culture)
2. Stop all reproduction programs.
3. Treat all livestock with a systemic antimycotic. Animals with negative result culture, therapeutic doses of the drug are prescribed to prevent the spread of infection.
4. Divide animals into three separate groups: a) infected, b) contacted with sick, c) nursing cats with their offspring.
5. Carry out thorough repeated disinfection of premises
6. After 14 days, re-examine animals with a negative reaction during the first culture.
7. Culling or treating animals with positive result sowing
8. Strict quarantine of newly received animals before their placement in the nursery.

Another option for getting rid of the infection is to completely disband the livestock, carry out thorough repeated disinfection and start working again with a “clean cat”.

It is necessary to take into account the existence in some animals of a genetic predisposition to the transition of the disease to a chronic asymptomatic course.

KEY POINTS
1. Clinical picture dermatophytosis is very variable and it is impossible to exclude or confirm the presence of infection based on physical examination alone
2. Don't forget about high probability misdiagnosis
3. Be aware of the possibility of zoonosis
4. Duration of treatment should be based on fungal culture results
5. Good contact with the owner is very important

Clean skin and silky, well-groomed coat - this is characteristic features healthy dog who is happy with her life. But not always the skin can boast of its perfect condition. And one of the most unpleasant reasons for this is dermatophytes in dogs.

This is the name of a large group of skin diseases, the causative agents of which are pathogenic fungi. They feed on the epidermis and derivatives skin(claws). It is believed that there are several dozen varieties of dermatophytes, each of which, theoretically, “specializes” in a particular species of animal.

In practice, a situation is much more often observed when a cat pathogen “lives” with equal success not only on cats, but also on dogs, without at all disdaining their owners. So, at the slightest suspicion of this disease, you need to not only urgently take your pet to the veterinarian, but also organize general cleaning in my house.

Symptoms and diagnosis

As a rule, fungi cause the formation of rounded bald patches on the skin. The skin in these areas becomes red, and in some cases the infection looks like cigarette burns. “Ashes” are pieces of skin that abundantly litter the border between healthy and affected skin. Hair not only falls out, but breaks off at the root. It looks like stumps in a forest. But such symptoms are not typical for all cases.

Read also: Necrosis in a dog is an extremely serious disease

A Wood's lamp can be used for diagnosis. This is a source of ultraviolet light, under which the affected hair begins to glow (fluoresce). Microscopy and seeding of pathological material on a nutrient medium can also be used.

Therapy

Treatment should be carried out systemically. In the article we will present several drugs that have proven themselves to be the best for the destruction of pathogenic fungi in dogs. Duration of treatment is at least six weeks. So here are the medications:

• Itraconazole This remedy has proven itself to be excellent among veterinarians all over the world.

• Antibiotics from the griseofulvin group. Old but extremely effective drugs. Their disadvantages include increased toxicity, so only your veterinarian should prescribe the medication.

• Terbinafine and fluconazole may be used. Quite effective drugs with an acceptable level of toxicity for the animal.

What should owners do?

With the help of relatively simple techniques, you can significantly speed up the healing process and significantly alleviate your pet’s condition. Here's what you can do for your dog:

• Apply miconazole-based ointments to the affected areas of the skin (in consultation with your veterinarian, of course).

• Wash your dog using shampoos with antifungal compounds. Again, their use should only be done with the knowledge and approval of a veterinarian.

• Preparations based on sulfur have also proven themselves well in treatment, so do not miss the chance to anoint bald areas of the skin with ordinary sulfur ointment.

In cats and cats fungal infections are less common than other skin diseases, but due to the threat of zoonosis they deserve special attention.

What is dermatomycosis (dermatophytes, dermatomycetes) and its pathogens in cats

Diseases that are caused by dermatophytes are called dermatophytosis. Depending on which tissue is predominantly affected, dermatophytosis is divided into:

• Epidermomycosis.
• Trichomycosis.
• Onychomycosis.

Dermatophytes are a group of filamentous fungi that infect keratinized keratinocytes (the stratum corneum of the epidermis, nails and hair). These include representatives of the genera Epidermophyton, Microsporam and Trichophyton.

But owners of cats and kittens know this disease under the name ringworm. The name speaks for itself; oval-shaped spots, devoid of hair and having a characteristic clear boundary, are one of these most unpleasant zooanthroponoses - diseases transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa.

Dermatophytes are a contagious infection and when the skin is infected, thousands of microscopic spores are found around the infected hair. They are the main source of infection for other animals and humans. But not only sick animals are carriers and distributors of dermatophytes. Any item (haircutting scissors, brushes, bed dress etc.) from the everyday life of an animal affected by this disease is a carrier of these spores for a long time if appropriate sanitary treatment and treatment are not carried out. The spores will stick to the skin and this can become the focus of a new infection of a specific type of fungus that uses the surface layers of the skin, hair, and nails as a medium and source of nutrition.

Among the many fungal infections that cause ringworm in cats, the most common in the world are:

• Canine microsporum (Canis M.) Accounts for 75-98% of all cases of ringworm in cats.
• Microsporum gypseum (M. gypseum) This type of fungal infection causes ringworm, usually in cats that dig in contaminated soil.
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Animals become infected with this type of fungal infection, which causes ringworm, from rodents, even if they simply rummage in their burrows.

People at risk for dermatophyte infection include:

• Young individuals (under the age of one year) and older ones (over 10 years old). Kittens are at greater risk of infection due to their immature immune systems. A formed immune system allows adult animals to be more resistant to any infections.
• Animals with cancer or chronic diseases.
• Fur of Persian and Himalayan cats. The fur of long-haired cats and cats, much faster than short-haired cats, can become a “soil” for the life of spores of a fungal infection.
• Cats and cats, in shelters for homeless people and nurseries when kept in poor living conditions.

Ringworm is extremely contagious. A cat or cat can become infected with ringworm either through direct contact with an infected animal or through the environment, such as the use of contaminated bedding, equipment, carpet, furniture and soil. The spores attach to hair, which is released into the environment and can remain infectious to biological organisms up to 18 months.

Symptoms of ringworm in cats and kittens

Symptoms usually appear two weeks after infection and are as follows:

• The most recognizable sign that your cat has ringworm is the presence of round spots rough, scaly skin with a red outline and broken hairs or bald patches. They are most common on the head, followed by the limbs and tail, but any part of the body can be affected. Lesions can range from a small, barely noticeable spot to a large bald spot affecting most of the body. Additionally, the affected areas cause itching, causing cats and kittens to rub their paws and lick the infected area with their tongues.
• Infection of the claws with a fungal infection can be determined visually as follows: they are altered ugly looking, the structure is thickened, layered and easy to break.
• Severe cases of ringworm can lead to folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicle) and/or secondary infection skin.

Up to 20% of cats and cats are asymptomatic carriers. This means that they carry the fungus but do not show any signs of infection.

Ringworm in cats and kittens is diagnosed in the following ways:

• Fungal inoculations. This The best way diagnose ringworm. The culture takes about 10 days, but the advantage of performing a fungal culture is that the laboratory will be able to diagnose the exact species of fungus. The material taken (several hairs, scraping) from the infected object is placed in the laboratory in favorable environment increased growth. If a cat has symptoms (spots, lesions, etc.), all fur-bearing animals living with her will need to be tested for the presence of a fungal culture.
• Wood's lamp. 50% of ringworm stamps have a fluorescent green glow under ultraviolet lamp light.
• Microscopic examination. For quick diagnosis, hair is examined for the presence of microscopic pores of fungi.
• Biopsy. In cases where skin lesions look uncharacteristic of a fungal infection.

Once your cat has been diagnosed with ringworm, you will need to treat the animal and its environment. All animals living in the house/apartment are mandatory are kept only in one isolated room during quarantine and treatment to avoid the spread of spores around the house or apartment.

Always use special clothing and gloves when treating a cat with ringworm, change clothes immediately afterwards. Treat your hands and exposed body parts with an anti-fungal solution to “kill” any spores that might be attached.

Carefully follow the instructions on the medication insert and do not violate the veterinarian's recommendations. U healthy cats and in cats, ringworm can often appear within two to four months from the time of infection. However, it is recommended to consider such an animal infected with ringworm and carry out a set of therapeutic and preventive measures aimed at accelerating recovery and preventing infection of people and animals.

During the treatment of cats and cats of long-haired breeds, shaving is recommended. Short-haired cats and female cats may not be shaved unless infection occurs. large area bodies.

Remember that treatment is long-term and may take several months, especially when there are several animals. All of them should be considered as having the disease, even if there are no symptoms of ringworm.

Itraconazole (Sporanox®)

This drug has overtaken griseofulvin in use for the treatment of ringworm because it has less side effects. It prevents the growth of the fungus by preventing it from producing ergosterol, a component of the cell membrane, causing the fungal contents to dissolve.

Dosage: 10 mg i/kg once daily.

Side effects: Side effects are mild but may include nausea and loss of appetite.

Griseofulvin (Fulvicin®)

It is the most commonly used licensed antifungal medicine. Griseofulvin inhibits cell division by altering the structure and function of microtubules. This allows the cat's immune system to fight infection.

System and local methods The treatments (listed below) are most effective when used in combination.

Dosage: Griseofulvin is available as tablets for oral treatment. It is administered twice a day, with food.

Side effects/Measures Precautions: Griseofulvin should not be used on breeding cats, pregnant cats, or cats that you plan to breed within two months of treatment as it may cause birth defects. Side effects include nausea, fever, lethargy, diarrhea, anemia. IN in rare cases, griseofulvin may cause bone marrow and liver suppression in cats.

If side effects occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Other medications that may be used to treat ringworm include: Ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and terbinafine (Lamisil®).

Shampoos/talks, baths

Ringworm can be treated with special baths with sulfurous lime. The procedure must be carried out at least once every 4-5 days for 2 to 4 weeks. Dilute half a teaspoon of the drug in a small basin, and then thoroughly rinse the animal’s fur. Lime sulphide is available for free sale in almost every pharmacy. You can replace it with sulfur ointment.

Do not let your cat lick wet fur after such a bath, this will cause her to vomit.

Lime sulphide has coloring properties. That's why after therapeutic baths The cat's coat color may change. Worry in in this case not worth it. The effect will disappear after several baths in ordinary water.

When treating ringworm, do not use conventional shampoos and soaps. The components included in their composition can cause itching and additional irritation of the skin.

Antibiotics

Any skin conditions such as folliculitis and skin infections must be treated with antibiotics.

Is there a vaccine against ringworm? Yes, but only from one type of the most common fungal infection Dog Microsporum (Canis) Children (especially under 10 years of age) and adults who have poor health who have undergone chemotherapy or have weakened immune system are infected more often than adults healthy people. Keep affected cats/children away from each other to avoid spreading the fungus.

How is ringworm treated in humans?

Treatment is carried out antifungal ointments and creams for a long time according to the instructions and recommendations of the doctor. It is imperative to do a control “fungal culture” test in order to avoid the spread of infection to people and animals.

Bed linen and towels should be changed regularly and an antifungal rinse should be used after washing.