Terrie,
It is possible that the hair loss behind the cat's ear is due to scratching
from the earmites.
However, an area affected w/ ringworm (a fungus similar to athlete's food)
will typically be reddened from irritation, and present itself in a circular
pattern. Often the skin will be"scabby" and when it affects the hair follicles,
the hair becomes coarse & brittle and will break off, giving a "stubbly"
appearance.
Vets will check for ringworm using a Wood's Lamp and/or a skin scraping. (A
Wood's Lamp is similar to a "black light", affected area will "glow" when
observed under lamp.)
Ringworm is contagious to other animals in the household, and being a
zoonatic (sp?) disease, it can also be passed on to people. Children and the
elderly are most susceptible, and "light" complected people have a higher
incidence of contacting ringworm than others.
Also, any person or animal with a compromised immune system is at a
higher risk for getting ringworm.
Ringworm is a hardy little bugger too. It's passed by
spores that are shed by the infected "host" and will
attatch itself to clothing, hair, skin, furniture etc.
An animal diagnosed with ringworm needs to be isolated from any other
animals in the household, and diligent sanitary
measures must be followed. (Frequent hand washing, and remember, after handling
the infected cat, DO NOT TOUCH FACE, EYES, ETC!!)
We had a kitten whose foster did NOT treat soon enough and the poor baby
lost his eye, so it is VERY important to remember, it CAN affect humans
likewise
All bedding, surfaces need to be cleaned using bleach as a disinfectant.
Frequent vaccuuming, etc. is a must also. (Sometimes it's easier to use
"disposable" items)
I have seen cats infected with ringworm for six to eight weeks at a time.
(It's a NIGHTMARE dealing with ringworm at the shelter!)
Allopathic veterinary treatment usually consists of bathing the
animal with a Betadine solution, clipping down the hair in the affected areas,
and Fulvacin (griseofulvin) is given as oral medicine.
Topically, the infected area can be treated with an OTC anti-fungal
cream/ointment.
Fulvacin (griseofulvin) is a very powerful drug, and known to have MANY
adverse affects on animals.
It's been documented to cause CNS disorders, kidney problems,
seizures....just to name a few. It can be a dangerous drug to use,
especially if used on kittens, elderly & cats with Felv, FIV.
Also, you must continue treatment with griseo until there are no new
lesions, and condition is normal. This can take 6 - 8 weeks or more, and
that's a L-O-N-G time to use that drug.
Holistically I feel treatment options are MUCH better.
Again, you start with clipping and bathing with diluted Betadine solution.
(Some will use iodine, but I tend to pass on that cause some cats are extremely
sensitive to its' use.)
Topically, we have used Goldenseal and/or Echinacea infusions, applied
directly to the infected areas up to 4X day.
Orally, we've used Homeopathic Remedy - Sulphur 6X, once daily for 6
weeks.
It's a good idea to add EFA's to the cats diet during this time. We've also
used zinc, lecithin, cod liver oil & grapefruit seed extract as dietary
supplements.
Basically, ringworm is a real nightmare...... It takes so long to treat,
and I've seen enough of it to last a lifetime, believe me!
It's just so very important to stress
cleanliness, let bleach be your best friend.
And, can you believe some vets are pushing a RINGWORM
VACCINE???
It scares me, all this stuff they throw at John Q. Public to load their
companions up with.....
I hope for your friend's sake her cat doesn't have ringworm.
It definitely is NO fun.
Patti
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