Lyme Dip for Ringworm
A common condition among felines, ringworm causes raised lesions on cats that develop as a result of microscopic organisms. Ringworm not only affects the skin but also the hair and nails of cats and other mammals. Although various oral antifungal medications and antifungal shampoos can be used to treat the condition, veterinarians often advise use of a lyme dip for ringworm treatment.
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Ringworm In Cats
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Ringworm (dermatophytosis) in cats should be treated seriously. The name ringworm often causes confusion, as some people make the mistake of thinking it has to do with a worm. Ringworm refers to a skin condition cats and other animals can develop as a result of infection. Four species of fungi are known to cause ringworm in cats, one of those the microsporum canis fungus. Responsible for the majority of cases of ringworm, the fungi feed on hair and dead skin tissue and continue to multiply until proper treatment measures are taken.
Humans are also susceptible to developing ringworm. Dr Christianne Schelling, a veterinarian, reports that "Ringworm is very contagious and is able to spread from pet to pet, pet to human or human to pet...The spores can be anywhere--the soil, pet bedding, tools, your pet's comb or brush, or in carpets and in your air ducts."
Symptoms of ringworm can vary from one animal to the next. A few of the more common symptoms are circular patches of hair loss, red and irritated areas on the skin, thick skin, crusts of yellow debris adhering to the skin and/or an infection of the claws.
Lyme Dip Treatment
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Creamy in texture, lyme dip has a distinctive odor, smelling acidic and objectionably like rotten eggs, and is available in most pet supply stores. The lyme dip, an anti-parasitic treatment, works by killing bacteria causing the infection when applied as a spot treatment to affected areas. Considered an effective treatment for cats battling ringworm, owners can apply the potent lyme dip on a regular basis until the infection is resolved.
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Benefits
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The lyme dip treatment usually works quickly. The preparation and administration processes are fast and simple, making it an ideal and convenient solution for pet owners. Lyme dip also has the benefit of being a cost-effective and widely available ringworm treatment.
Dosage
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Put on a pair of gloves before administering the lyme dip solution to a cat. Follow the instructions on the label. A protective collar helps ensure the cat does not ingest the lyme-dip solution by licking or biting at the area. The collar should remain around the cat's neck for two to three hours to give the solution adequate time to dry.
Time Frame
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In most cases it takes no more than a maximum of two applications of the solution per week for two weeks for the cat to recover from ringworm. If the problem persists after two weeks, continue with only a single application each week.
Make an appointment with the vet two to three weeks after the initial application. She can examine the cat and determine whether or not you should continue with treatment.
Precautions
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Lyme dip for ringworm can result in serious health problems if ingested by either an animal or human. Avoid contact with eyes. If eye contact or skin irritation develops on the cat after application of the lyme dip solution, rinse the area well and contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not continue further treatment with the lyme dip without her consent.
Considerations
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A vaccine for the ringworm disease-causing organisms can help prevent the condition from starting in the first place. All vaccines have benefits and risks. Speak to a veterinarian to learn more about the ringworm vaccine for cats and determine whether your own cat stands to benefit from it.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit the cat image by Milena Kowalska from Fotolia.com
