Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is a fungal infection of hair, skin and claws. It is not caused by a worm. It matters on the NAVLE because it is contagious, zoonotic and a classic problem of kittens and multi-cat settings, and because the treatment has three parts: a systemic drug, a topical rinse and environmental cleaning.
Key facts
Dermatophytosis at a glance- Species and system: cat; integumentary (hair follicle and keratin).
- Cause: Microsporum canis is the main feline pathogen (MSD).
- Classic presentation: a kitten with patchy alopecia, scale and broken hairs on the face, ears or feet; lesions vary and itch is often mild.
- Frequency: true disease is under 4% of skin disorders, so it is not the most common feline skin disease (MSD).
- Diagnosis: Wood's lamp as a screen, microscopy, fungal culture (DTM) or PCR.
- Treatment: itraconazole (alternating weeks) plus lime sulfur rinses plus environmental decontamination.
- Zoonotic: yes. People can develop skin lesions.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Multi-cat and shelter practice
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 1 figure, 3 self-test questions and 7 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.