Ringworm in an Animal Shelter

Ringworm an umbrella term that covers several fungal infections. Cats are very susceptible to ringworm, but dogs may also get it. It is transferable to humans. If caught sufficiently early, it is completely curable, but because of its contagious nature it may be a difficult and expensive process. This problem can make treatment in an animal shelter potentially devastating for its budget and reputation.

Types of Ringworm

• The scientific name for ringworm is Dermaphytosis or Microsporum Canis. In humans, it is sometimes referred to as "tinea." Tinea covers a variety of skin conditions. When it occurs on the feet, it is commonly known as athlete's foot; in the groin, it is called jock itch. In all its forms, it is highly contagious and may not be easily detectable in early stages. Therefore, an animal may be admitted to an animal shelter without the staff realizing there is a problem.

Identification

• Symptoms of dermaphytosis in cats is the appearance of circular patches of raw or reddened areas of hair loss. If not treated quickly, these patches develop a crusty, scabby appearance and rapidly spread. Dogs develop similar patches. On humans, the first hint is a red pinprick bump that grows into a circular area that has a red rim on the outside edge, giving the condition its traditional name. If examined under a Wood's Lamp, which is a particular type of black light, the areas infected will fluoresce. Examination with a Wood's Lamp is not conclusive, but may help with early diagnosis before the skin lesions develop. Conclusive diagnosis requires taking a culture. The complete process of diagnosis can take up to two weeks. Since each animal needs to be diagnosed separately, expenses can mount up quickly in a shelter setting.

Prevention/Solution

• Once introduced to a shelter, ringworm may spread quickly from animal to animal if strict precautions are not taken. It can be transmitted by contact with infected dust, dander, hair, or direct contact with other animals. An animal suspected of being infected should immediately be isolated. Treatments include topical applications of hydro cortisone creams or iodine. A lime-sulphur dip may be effective. However, due to the sensitivity that cats have to certain medicines, only veterinary approved treatments should be used on animals. If the infestation is sufficiently severe, internal medication may be indicated. After examining an animal suspected to have ringworm, hands should be washed and clothing washed in hot water with bleach, and dried in a dryer before being worn again. All animal bedding, litter, toys and other fibrous items should be disposed of. Surfaces should disinfected using a 1 percent formalin solution, one part bleach to 10 parts water solution, or enilconazole. For shelters, the bleach solution is usually the most accessible and cost-effective of the three. Environmental cleansing is important because the spores can survive up to 18 months without a host.

Potential Problems

• Ringworm is somewhat difficult to detect and diagnose. Scabies, mange and flea-bite dermatitis have similar symptoms. Ringworm spores can survive in the environment long after the infected animal has been removed. Although it is 100 percent treatable, diagnosis and treatment can be both time-consuming and costly. Releasing infected animals for adoption can be detrimental to a shelter's reputation. Dermaphytosis is zoonotic; that is, it is transmittable to humans from animals and vice versa. If not properly disinfected, drapes, carpet, heating ducts and other areas within a shelter may continue to harbor the fungus.

Significance

• In many ways, dermaphytosis or ringworm is a minor ailment. However, it's extreme infectiousness and its persistence make it a significant issue. It can be especially devastating for an animal shelter that is already operating on a marginal budget; and will be difficult and costly for one that is operating optimally. Early detection, isolation of infected animals, appropriate diagnosis and treatment, and post-contact disinfection are vital.