Fungal otitis or otomycosis in cats: causes, symptoms, treatment. Symptoms of fungus in cats Preparations and folk remedies for treatment In a cat, cure an ear fungus

The most favorable and comfortable environment for the fungus are:

a fresh wound, a scratch on the skin of an animal;
excessive care, expressed in frequent bathing and combing;
perfectly clean ears of the animal.

If you are manic about cleanliness, then you should not shift it to the animal. A cat, like any other predator, must have a protective fatty layer on the skin, as well as wax in the ears, which prevents the formation of pathogenic organisms.

Weakened immunity.
Favorable conditions for the development of micromycetes.
Suppression of microorganisms that inhibit fungi.

Weakened immunity

For the degradation of the body's defenses, the following circumstances are necessary:

hereditary predisposition.
Unbalanced diet.
Infection.
Stress.
Chronic non-communicable diseases.
Injuries.

Favorable conditions for the development of micromycetes

Moisture, heat and microscopic defects in the skin are necessary for the development of fungi. These conditions arise for the following reasons:

Free range. Cats fight, and any weeping wound is a breeding ground for the fungus. Animals lick defects, moisturizing the surrounding skin and creating a favorable environment for micromycetes.
Excessive care. Weekly bathing with thorough combing destroys the protective greasy layer of the skin and coat, creates a humid environment and causes microtrauma. Frequent cleaning of the ears leaves the pet without a protective layer that prevents the development of micromycetes.

Suppression of microorganisms that inhibit fungi

This happens in the treatment of various diseases. Long-term use of antibiotics and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs kills bacteria that are direct competitors to fungi. Having no natural enemies, micromycetes begin to multiply uncontrollably.

The reasons for the development of malassezia in cats is a decrease in the level of immunity caused by the following factors:

infectious diseases;
helminthiases;
hormonal disorders;
poisoning;
temperature effects;
exhaustion;
unbalanced diet;
trauma;
mechanical or chemical damage to the skin;
allergies.

In kittens, fungal diseases of the ears often develop during the period of weaning and during the transition to artificial feeding. Therefore, you should try to minimize the stress factor, provide good nutrition and a high hygienic level of keeping babies.

Finally, we should not forget about the long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, but we have already written about them above.

Among the systemic diseases caused by fungal infections, the following types of diseases are most common:

Cryptococcosis is caused by a yeast-like fungus. A cat suffering from cryptococcosis develops coughing, sneezing, breathing is difficult, and spotting is sometimes noticeable in the nostrils.
Late treatment of the disease sometimes leads to the development of meningitis and death of the animal. There is a skin type of the disease. The back of the nose may swell in a cat, and nodules appear under the skin, which later fill with pus.
Treatment of cryptococcosis is prescribed by a veterinarian based on the research. Experts consider this disease one of the most dangerous fungal infections. Its treatment is complex and lengthy.
Histoplasmosis - experts in fungal infections consider this disease the most insidious, as its signs are disguised as symptoms characteristic of other diseases. Histoplasmosis is characterized by a lack of appetite in a cat, which is accompanied by rapid weight loss.
Body temperature above normal, the general weakness of the animal is obvious. In the future, the cat becomes noticeable lesions of the eyes and skin. The disease can be treated only at an early stage. Therefore, even one of these symptoms requires an immediate visit to the veterinarian.
Blastomycosis - you should know that not only cats suffer from this disease, which causes damage to the respiratory system, skin, eyes and brain. It is extremely dangerous for people and dogs. The drugs used to treat this disease are highly toxic. Humans are rarely infected with blastomycosis from cats, much more often the disease is transmitted by a dog bite. However, protective gloves must be used when caring for a sick cat.

How and how to treat foot fungus in children

The danger of childhood mycosis
Risk factors
Main symptoms
Treatment Options
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A common disease mycosis or fungus in children is only slightly less common than in adults. The reasons for its occurrence in childhood are not decreasing, and the active behavior inherent in children only increases the risk of infection. Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, wounds, abrasions on the skin, which easily loses its protective properties due to diseases - this set of factors makes the fungus on the toes of a child not only a common, but also a dangerous disease for health.

The danger of childhood mycosis

The causes of a fungal disease in children include an extensive list of factors, some of which cannot be prevented and prevented.

A serious danger is represented by various mechanical damage to the skin on the leg. Especially if it happened in a place where a person with a fungal infection was recently. Subject to a number of external conditions, it retains the ability to infect a person throughout the whole year.

A serious danger of foot fungus in a child is for children with diabetes. Sweating with a high content of glucose in the secretions, which is characteristic of this disease, is an ideal environment for mycosis.

It is quite difficult to prevent a fungus in a child with diabetes mellitus or another dangerous disease that increases the risk of developing mycosis. This requires constant monitoring of the condition of the skin, fingernails and toenails in children in order to notice the symptoms of impending danger in time.

Risk factors

Healthy children are at a lower risk of developing a fungal infection. Regular neglect of the main risk factors in a short time will reveal the fungus between the toes, on the nail plate or elsewhere. Parents are obliged to ensure that the baby is protected from mycosis and the causes that cause it. The fungus occurs as a result of such, insignificant at first glance, factors:

Wearing uncomfortable, tight or breathable shoes. Shoes made of artificial materials are considered especially harmful. In it, the leg sweats a lot - and the dark, humid environment is an ideal place for the development of athlete's foot.
When choosing shoes in a store, you need to measure them in your own socks. The fungus on the legs in children at the initial stage is usually not diagnosed, but is already carrying out its destructive actions. It is not a fact that the legs of the previous person trying on shoes were completely healthy.
After an illness, immunity in children is always weakened, so attention to the condition of the skin should be increased.
Public places where you can walk barefoot are high-risk areas. Pool, beach, showers - often become a source of various diseases.

To prevent foot fungus in children, it is usually enough to explain to them the danger and forbid walking barefoot in potentially dangerous areas. But remember that due to age, children cannot fully understand the degree of danger.

Main symptoms

To begin treatment of foot fungus, having found the first signs of the disease in your child, should be immediately. A fungal infection has symptoms that are recognizable enough not to be confused with something else. Two main ones stand out among them:

The disease leads to the formation of scales on the epidermis, especially noticeable between the fingers. Such scales, remaining in the shoes, cause infection of the legs and can provoke the primary development or recurrence of mycosis.
The skin is modified, blisters, erosion appear. Often the epidermis changes its natural pinkish color to yellowish. The intensity of the pathological color and the variant of the shade depend on the type of fungus that caused the disease.

In addition, very often children begin to complain of burning, itching in the foot area, and sometimes pain when walking. This set of symptoms is an alarming signal and suggests an immediate appeal to a dermatologist. Treatment of foot fungus in children is best done under the guidance of a doctor, since the development of infection leads to serious consequences for the child's body. In addition, the skin is severely affected - ulcers and blisters turn into deep inflamed cracks that interfere with walking.

Treatment Options

The treatment of fungus in children begins with a mandatory visit to a specialist. The reason for this is the variety of types of fungal infection that threaten the child's body. Each of the types of mycoids is effectively eliminated by a certain drug, which has a noticeably weaker effect on other varieties. The choice of the drug is carried out individually on the basis of medical tests.

The difficulty of choosing how to treat the fungus in the initial stages of infection is the biggest problem that threatens sick children. Parents who turned to the pediatrician in time will only have to follow his recommendations and observe the recovery. More complex medical cases, especially if the infection has entered the bloodstream, require immediate medical treatment.

The variety of anti-fungal drugs available and the features of the main active substance can be confusing when choosing an ointment. Therefore, it is better to make a choice on the recommendation of a pediatrician. Or change the drugs you buy until the next one has the expected therapeutic effect.

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Traditional folk medicine, which allows you to eliminate or prevent foot fungus in a child, involves the use of special baths in most recipes. There are a huge number of such recipes, but the most common among them are:

Soda. Treatment with baking soda is widely used in folk medicine to combat many infectious ailments. Fungal infection, tonsillitis, stomach diseases - the basis of the recipes is the cleansing and antibiotic effect of baking soda. In children, the treatment of feet from the fungus with its help can be carried out in different ways. Some recipes involve the manufacture of foot baths with soda, others - pastes based on it.
Salt baths and wine vinegar. The main effect of both components is the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Milkweed decoction. A popular folk remedy against mycosis. It is prepared from 300 grams of milkweed, which is steamed in a water bath for half an hour in a glass of boiling water. The resulting broth is filtered and added to the bath.

Measures to prevent the development of mycosis:

carefully disinfect toys, nipples, personal hygiene items used by the baby;
try to explain to the baby what kind of danger awaits him, do not let him touch homeless animals on the street;
prohibit older children from walking barefoot in public places;
personal hygiene items must be kept clean and have only one owner;
to care for infected nails and skin, use a separate manicure set, which is then thoroughly disinfected;
conduct regular preventive examination of the skin.

Contacting a pediatrician is the best way to dispel any doubts about this or that redness. If they appear, you should not postpone a visit to a specialist, because the initial stage of a fungal infection is treated very simply. And the subsequent stages threaten not only the skin and nails, but also the health of internal organs.

Tags: Warts, Inflammation, Hyperhidrosis, Fungus, Skin, Treatment of fungus, Corns, Corns, Edema and tumors, Psoriasis, Diabetes mellitus, Cracks

Ringworm (scientific name - microsporia) is a fungal disease that is often found in representatives of the cat family. It is easily transmitted to people who come into contact with a sick animal. It is important to know that a person can get sick even when cleaning places where a sick cat is usually located.

With many skin diseases, a pet may develop areas of skin that are devoid of hair. However, the manifestations of ringworm in a cat have signs that make it possible to visually determine the diagnosis of the disease. If there are places on the cat’s body that are devoid of hair, having the shape of a circle, the edges of which are “decorated” with a red ring, then a visit to the veterinarian should be made.

Do not carry the cat in your arms, it is best to use a carrier to transport it to the clinic. You can put your pet in a basket, wrapping it in a thick cloth or oilcloth. A visit to the veterinarian is mandatory, because only a specialist is able to confirm the presence of the disease with the help of tests and choose the right treatment.

The main analysis that can establish an accurate diagnosis is the study of skin scrapings taken from a suspicious place on the skin of a cat.

There is another diagnostic method - when ultraviolet radiation is directed to a sick animal, its skin begins to glow with a greenish color. However, if the pet has a black coat, this method does not work.

A cat that has a caring owner who provides her with good care, including high-quality nutrition, saturated with essential vitamins, will definitely have good immunity. It is the immune system that will protect her from the disease in case of contact with a sick animal.

If the pet does get sick, then the disease will proceed in a mild form. To cure it, it will be enough to use an antifungal ointment in the affected areas. Another way to treat ringworm is to wash the cat with miconazole shampoo. A severe form of the disease, during which patches of affected skin not only lose their hair, but also become covered with weeping scabs and pustules, usually affects cat babies who have not yet had time to get full immunity.

Seriously ill with ringworm cats that have previously had diseases that have led to a violation of the immune system. In this case, the veterinarian prescribes a full course of treatment, including not only external antifungal ointments, but also medicines used for oral administration.

How to recognize mycosis?

Fungus in cats - signs and symptoms of the disease

Signs of mycotic lesions vary, but most often there are symptoms of skin inflammation. It becomes dull, loses elasticity. Mycoses affect the entire skin or only the ears, muzzle, as well as the interdigital space and claws. First, small pimples form, which turn into exudate-filled vesicles - vesicles.

Not all mycotic lesions are accompanied by signs of scabies. But in such situations, fungi weaken the immune system, making the animal defenseless against contagions, mainly of viral origin.

With the classical development of the disease, dandruff appears. The cat has a bad smell. When the hair follicle is damaged, the hairs break off, as if they were trimmed. Hence the name: Ringworm.

If the fungus settles in the ear, the animal worries, shakes its head, rubs the organ with its paws. If inflammation spreads to the brain, the prognosis is poor.

You should not start treatment on your own: medicines will mask the signs of the disease and make it difficult to diagnose, so you need to seek veterinary help. In order for the fellinologist not to get infected himself, he will have to contact with his pet in latex gloves, and transfer it in a special container.

At the first stage of the disease, the fungus in the ears of a cat is manifested by redness of the external auditory canal, accompanied by severe itching.

the affected areas are covered with a black-brown coating, which has an unpleasant sour smell;
outflow of serous exudate from the ears;
gluing and hair loss, as well as swelling of the upper layer of the skin in places where exudate flows out.

When the affected areas are infected with pathogenic microflora, the outflows take on a serous-purulent character. The cat shows signs of depression, shakes its head, constantly lowers it forward, scratches itchy places. An unpleasant specific odor emanates from the animal, due to the oxidation of fats.

When malasseziosis is complicated by purulent otitis media, the cat's general body temperature rises, she refuses to eat, becomes lethargic and inactive.

Signs of ear damage are distinguished by a number of specific signs that are not easy to miss.

The symptoms in these cases are as follows:

Leaning over your pet, you will surely feel a sharp and extremely unpleasant smell. So, with Malassezia, it can resemble the “aroma” of old socks.
Constant scratching and scratching of the ears is characteristic.
An unpleasant-looking and even more unpleasant-smelling exudate may be discharged from the ear passages.
The auricles can become very reddened, their swelling is possible.
The animal frantically shakes its head (splattering exudate around itself), or walks, strangely tilting it to the shoulder.
Even with light palpation of the ears and nearby tissues, the animal shows visible nervousness and even aggression, which indicates a pain reaction.
Changes in behavior such as apathy or irritability.

Note that ear diseases in cats are common, but far from always they are caused only by a fungus.

The concept of "fungus in cats" includes a group of diseases caused by yeast and mold microorganisms.

Cats suffer from mycosis not only because of contacts with their fellow tribesmen. They can become infected through food or open wounds on the body. Fungal strains are quickly activated in the body of those animals that have problems with the intestines, kidneys, respiratory system and urinary canal.

Signs of fungus in cats

The clinical symptoms of fungus in cats manifest themselves in different ways. In some pets, they are obvious, in others they are invisible, recognizable by the responses of the tests. If there are other pets in the family besides the suspected animal, it is advisable to protect the cat from contact with them.

When mycosis is active, the following signs will not escape the attention of the owner:

Cough.
Sluggish state.
Refusal to eat.
Prolonged scratching and licking of a certain place.
Head shaking with ears flattened is a common symptom of ear fungus.

Since other diseases also occur with such symptoms, it is important to show your pet to the veterinarian in a timely manner and undergo a diagnosis. Differentiate mycosis from similar pathologies will help analyzes of urine, blood, feces. According to their answers, the doctor will determine the type of fungus.

The most common forms of fungal infection include:

Histoplasmosis - initially the animal becomes infected through the air. Then the infection spreads with blood to different organs of the cat and affects the liver, intestines, and spleen. The pet's appetite worsens, diarrhea and intestinal bleeding open, and apathy occurs. Because of the reluctance to eat, the cat quickly loses weight and suffers from dehydration.
Cryptococcosis - infection occurs by inhalation of spores from contaminated air. The researchers found the causative agent of this disease in soil and bird droppings. Cryptococcosis affects the eyes, nasal cavity, and scalp. Its symptoms are manifested by nosebleeds, frequent sneezing, swelling on the bridge of the nose. If the fungus has affected the central nervous system, the cat's body will react with convulsions, blindness, and partial paralysis. To treat advanced fungus in cats infected with cryptococcus, veterinarians perform surgery to remove subcutaneous nodules and seals in the nose.
Rhinosporidiosis - the clinic of the disease is similar to cryptococcosis, but it is more easily tolerated by cats. In this case, ulcerative nodules are formed on the skin and in the nasal passages, prone to continuous growth. They are removed surgically, after which the cats are prescribed antimycotic therapy.
Mycetoma - the fungus affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, sometimes the bones of the animal. Outwardly, the elements of mycetoma resemble granules and grains scattered over the body of a cat. They focus mainly on the paws.
Classic mycosis - inherent in cats with a weakened immune system. Pets become infected with fungus through water and air, grass, clothes of a host with mycosis. Mycosis in animals is manifested by reddening of the skin and spots in the abdomen, genitals and ears. There is intense hair loss. Dandruff appears on the hairs.
Candidiasis - fungi are activated on the skin tissue and oral mucosa. The pathological focus is covered with white plaque or scales. Cats develop candidiasis as a result of prolonged antibiotic treatment and in the presence of infectious processes that occur in the lungs, bladder, and intestines.

How to recognize mycosis?

The diagnosis is established by the results of the following studies:

Luminescent. Fragments of hairs in the ultraviolet light emitted by a Wood's lamp acquire a green glow. The method does not work on black cats.
microscopic. On scrapings from the skin, micellar threads are found or fungal spores are found on the affected hair. The method requires highly qualified diagnostician.
Cultural. The scraping material is sown on nutrient media and the growth of micromycete colonies is recorded. The method allows you to identify the causative agent of the disease within a week.

Many owners overestimate the effectiveness of complex remedies, and therefore do not consider it necessary to conduct in-depth research: why pay extra money to a veterinarian when any pet store consultant will tell you how and how to treat fungus in a cat? But in most cases, the purchased ointment helps only for the duration of the treatment, and as soon as the use of the product is stopped, the fungus again wins positions.

In addition, some types of mycoses are dangerous to humans. While it is rare for healthy adults to contract the fungus from pets, it is important to know if the infection poses a risk to family members.

Such an analysis is done for about a week, during which it is necessary to treat the affected areas with the recommended remedy. This is not a treatment, but the elimination of symptoms to make the cat feel better. Only based on the results of the tests, the doctor will decide how to treat the fungus in the cat. Systemic preparations are added to the local treatment, sometimes very “heavy” - detrimental to the health of the pet.

Any, including ear fungus in cats, is treated tediously and for a long time. It is extremely important to strictly follow all the instructions of the doctor! Otherwise, the disease will return again and again. If the fungus does not respond to treatment or returns a few weeks after stopping treatment, you should consult an immunologist and start with the restoration of the immune system. In many cases, only the use of immunostimulants allows you to get rid of the fungus once and for all.

A veterinarian makes an accurate diagnosis based on:

inspection;
collection of anamnestic data;
results of laboratory researches.

During the initial examination, the doctor takes a scraping from the affected areas of the skin for microscopy. A particularly high concentration of the pathogen is found on the border with healthy skin. A thousandfold magnification of the microscope makes it possible to detect fungal colonies attached to hairs or epidermal cells.

To confirm the diagnosis, sowing on Sabouraud agar is carried out, where Malassezia develops in the form of clearly defined spherical colonies of light brown color. In parallel, the specialist determines the cause that caused the weakening of immunity and led to the activation of opportunistic microflora.

There are often problems with making an accurate diagnosis. “By eye” it is impossible to determine what exactly caused the infection - is it fungi, or bacteria, or just an allergy (it may well turn out that all three factors are to blame). Simply put, high-quality diagnostic studies are needed.

Often, veterinarians use an otoscope, which is necessary for a visual assessment of the condition of not only the ear canals, but also the eardrums. It can be used to identify tumors, foreign bodies, growths of a fungal nature. Smears and scrapings are taken (and in difficult cases a biopsy is done), the materials of which are used for microscopy, cytology, seeding on nutrient media, etc.

A careful history and complete examination of the animal can help determine what triggered the fungal infection. In doubtful cases, as well as in case of insufficient equipment of the clinic, the diagnosis can be made based on the result of treatment. So, if there is no particular positive dynamics after the appointment of broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is possible to suspect the presence of a fungal pathology with full confidence.

Treatment

Fungal infections are serious diseases. Do not let the disease take its course and self-medicate. After all, many types of fungus can be transmitted to humans.

At the veterinary clinic, the doctor will take samples from your cat for research. They will show exactly what type of fungus your animal has, and how exactly it can be cured. A week later, the specialist will prescribe antifungal drugs, as well as immunostimulating substances.

It is recommended to treat the cat's sleeping place, as well as a bowl for food and water, with a solution of sodium hydrochloride, which is sold in any pharmacy. With the right approach to treatment, you can defeat the fungus forever.

The therapeutic strategy is based on the use of symptomatic external drugs and systemic oral ones. The latter are used in cases where external means do not bring the expected result. Before starting treatment, the hair on the affected surface is cut off. To prevent the animal from neutralizing the effect of the medicine or being poisoned by its components, an Elizabethan collar is used.

The following medicinal forms of external antimycotic drugs are in demand:

Ointments.
Aerosols.
Shampoos.
bathing solutions.

Strict restrictions apply for all oral antifungals. They should not be used to treat pregnant or lactating cats.

The following medicines are in demand:

Irunin.
Intraconazole.
Fluconazole.
Ketaconazole.
Griseofulvin.

The fellinologist must be prepared for long-term therapeutic procedures, the appearance of the following side effects with uncontrolled use of medications:

Anemia.
Violation of blood clotting.
Reaction from the digestive organs - diarrhea, vomiting, constipation.
Dysfunction of the liver, heart, lungs.
The occurrence of cystitis.
neurotoxicity.

Therefore, the use of oral antimycotics requires strict supervision by a veterinarian.

Prevention of fungal diseases of cats is to ensure reliable immunity, compliance with the rules of keeping with full feeding. There is conflicting information regarding antifungal vaccines - Microderma, Polivaka-TM, etc. They are not used to prevent fungal diseases in cats outside the Russian Federation.

Malasseziosis requires complex treatment, including:

suppression of fungal growth;
elimination of clinical signs;
deliverance of the animal from the root cause of the disease;
increasing the level of immunity.

Treatment regimen:

With the ear form of malasseziosis, the ear canal should be cleaned 2 times a day with a 0.05% solution of Chlorhexidine. Manipulation must be carried out with the help of ear sticks, removing plaque only from visible areas of the skin in order to exclude damage to the hearing organs.

A good therapeutic effect is given by the use of Otibiovin drops, which are instilled every 6 hours for the first 3 days, and after 8 hours for the next 7 days.

For a better distribution of the agent over the affected surface, it is necessary to lightly massage the base of the auricle.

As oral agents, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole or their analogues are prescribed.

You can relieve itching and prevent scratching with the help of antihistamines. And the development of pyogenic microflora should be suppressed with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

In the case when the ear fungus provokes the development of purulent otitis media, the veterinarian applies a local novocaine blockade.

The use at home of folk remedies containing creolin, sulfuric and salicylic ointment, with Malassezia does not give a positive result, but can cause toxic poisoning of the body when treating a large surface of the body.

Treatment, contrary to popular belief, is not limited to antifungals alone. We have already written about the rarity of purely "fungal" infections. Antibiotics are used to neutralize bacterial infections that accompany almost 100% of cases of fungal pathologies.

Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone are often used to reduce inflammation. Finally, if the blood biochemistry has revealed a serious violation of hormone levels, replacement therapy is prescribed.

For the destruction of yeast, the following drugs are used: amphotericin B, flucytosine. Econazole and clotrimazole have also shown good results. "Folk remedies" are represented by salicylic acid. Griseofulvin and ketoconazole are also used. The most high-quality (and relatively low-toxic) agent is econazole in the form of 1% drops.

For allergies, it is necessary to prescribe antihistamines, combining them with antifungal drugs. Sometimes corticosteroids are needed. With fungal inflammations provoked by an abundance of ear mites, special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the ear canals.

Their presence is indicated by a dry, dark, crumbly coating in the ear, resembling coffee grounds. Without their destruction, it will not be possible to cope with fungi. To thoroughly clean the cat's ears, you can use any veterinary drops intended for the treatment of otodectosis.

It can be difficult to deal with secondary bacterial infections. Their presence is often indicated by purulent exudate. The usual fungus in the ears of a cat is rarely accompanied by its appearance. In such cases, it is necessary to regularly clean the ear passages using a soda solution, and broad-spectrum antibiotics are additionally prescribed.

We also note that with severe damage to the ear canal, there may be a need for surgical intervention.

Regardless of the specific underlying cause of a fungal ear infection, it is highly recommended to keep your ear canals clean on a regular basis.

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Prevention

The main danger of fungus in cats is the long life of its pathogens. Therefore, even after a pet is completely cured of this disease, there is a possibility of a relapse that occurs upon contact with an environment where fungal spores still live.

To avoid the return of the disease, it is necessary to thoroughly disinfect all rooms where the pet is. The place for his sleep requires special attention - the bedding must be destroyed. All items belonging to the cat - a tray, food bowls, toys, should be treated with Clorox, or sodium hypochlorite in a dissolved state.

The owner of the cat needs to take care of his health, as ringworm is easily transmitted to humans. To avoid the disease, contact with a sick animal should be limited for all households, and pet care should be carried out with gloves.

All clothing that the animal may come into contact with must be boiled in Clorox.

You should know that most often ringworm affects cats, which by nature have weak immunity. Most owners of breeds such as Munchkins, Sphynxes and Exotics believe that if their pets are not outside, then the risk of disease is minimal. However, we should not forget that the fungi that cause ringworm can get into the house along with outdoor shoes.

Ear fungus in cats belongs to the genus Malassezia and is part of the opportunistic microflora of pets. Constantly present on the skin, it does not cause disease, since its number is regulated by the cells of the animal's immune system. However, a decrease in the body's resistance leads to a sharp increase in the number of microorganisms, and the appearance of clinical signs of malassezia.

Malassezia pachydermatis, when in a yeast-like state, does not harm the animal. But when the immune function of the macroorganism is suppressed, the fungi turn into a micellar form, in which the mycelium grows into the cells of the epidermis, leading to their destruction. In the process of growth, these microorganisms feed on lipids produced by the sebaceous glands of cats. At the same time, they oxidize certain types of fats, causing a violation of the barrier function of the skin and the occurrence of inflammatory processes.

Causes of the disease

The reasons for the development of malassezia in cats is a decrease in the level of immunity caused by the following factors:

infectious diseases;
hormonal disorders;
temperature effects;
exhaustion;
unbalanced diet;
trauma;
mechanical or chemical damage to the skin;

Important! This list should include severe stress or prolonged emotional stress associated with abuse, the loss of a beloved owner, the appearance of other animals in the house.

Read also: Polycystic kidney disease in cats: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Symptoms

At the first stage of the disease, the fungus in the ears of a cat is manifested by redness of the external auditory canal, accompanied by severe itching.

the affected areas are covered with a black-brown coating, which has an unpleasant sour smell;
outflow of serous exudate from the ears;
gluing and hair loss, as well as swelling of the upper layer of the skin in places where exudate flows out.

When the affected areas are infected with pathogenic microflora, the outflows take on a serous-purulent character. The cat shows signs of depression, shakes its head, constantly lowers it forward, scratches itchy places. An unpleasant specific odor emanates from the animal, due to the oxidation of fats.

When purulent malassezia is complicated, the cat's general body temperature rises, she refuses food, becomes lethargic and inactive.

Remember! Lack of treatment leads to the melting of the structures of the inner ear and the transition of inflammation to the meninges. In this case, the likelihood of death is high.

Diagnostics

A veterinarian makes an accurate diagnosis based on:

inspection;
collection of anamnestic data;
results of laboratory researches.

During the initial examination, the doctor takes a scraping from the affected areas of the skin for microscopy. A particularly high concentration of the pathogen is found on the border with healthy skin.. A thousandfold magnification of the microscope makes it possible to detect fungal colonies attached to hairs or epidermal cells.

To confirm the diagnosis, sowing on Sabouraud agar is carried out, where Malassezia develops in the form of clearly defined spherical colonies of light brown color. In parallel, the specialist determines the cause that caused the weakening of immunity and led to the activation of opportunistic microflora.

Read also: The main diseases of old cats and their symptoms

Treatment

Malasseziosis requires complex treatment, including:

suppression of fungal growth;
elimination of clinical signs;
deliverance of the animal from the root cause of the disease;
increasing the level of immunity.

Important! The dosage of the medicinal product and the duration of the course of treatment should be determined only by a veterinarian..

Treatment regimen:

With the ear form of malasseziosis, the ear canal should be cleaned 2 times a day with a 0.05% solution of Chlorhexidine. Manipulation must be carried out with the help of ear sticks, removing plaque only from visible areas of the skin in order to exclude damage to the hearing organs.

A good therapeutic effect is given by the use of Otibiovin drops, which are instilled every 6 hours for the first 3 days, and after 8 hours for the next 7 days.

For a better distribution of the agent over the affected surface, it is necessary to lightly massage the base of the auricle.

As oral agents, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole or their analogues are prescribed.

You can relieve itching and prevent scratching with the help of antihistamines. And the development of pyogenic microflora should be suppressed with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

In the case when the ear fungus provokes the development of purulent otitis media, the veterinarian applies a local novocaine blockade.

The use at home of folk remedies containing creolin, sulfuric and salicylic ointment, with Malassezia does not give a positive result, but can cause toxic poisoning of the body when treating a large surface of the body.

Quite often, you can encounter such a common disease as mycosis in cats.

It is worth noting that the fungus on the skin of the animal is always present, but when the immune system is weakened, it immediately begins to actively develop.

Treatment of mycosis in cats should be carried out as early as possible. The disease can be caused by yeast, mold and other types of microorganisms.

Spores of pathogenic fungi are found on clothing, grass, shoes, water surfaces and fly through the air. Therefore, it is very easy to get infected with them.

Causes of mycosis

There are many reasons that can cause athlete's foot in cats. Significantly increase the risk of disease such factors as:

Age. Older cats and kittens, as well as nursing and pregnant women, get sick more often. In this case, the treatment of mycosis is quite difficult, due to the choice of a safe drug.
Persian cats are more prone to ringworm.
hereditary predisposition to the disease.
Chronic diseases, weakening of the immune system.
The ideal environment for the activation of fungi are moisture and heat.
Improper care and hygiene.

Many owners wash their cats, almost daily. Cats always endure stress during the bathing process, but this is not the main cause of the disease. When washing, the protective layer of lipids is washed off the skin, which creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of fungi.

Symptoms of mycosis

The symptoms of this disease may vary, as it all depends on the condition of the animal, the type of pathogen, environmental conditions, and other things. But there are a few basic facts that may indicate that it is necessary to begin treatment of athlete's foot in cats.

An incomprehensible redness appeared on the skin. Most often it can be seen on the abdomen, muzzle, genitals and ears. The inflammatory process develops quite rapidly, so you need to immediately contact a veterinarian to determine the disease and choose the appropriate treatment.
An unpleasant odor is also a hallmark of a fungal infection.
Isolation of exudate in the affected area.
Severe hair loss.
Another sign is a large amount of dandruff.

How to treat athlete's foot in cats

When identifying the first symptoms of the disease, he must deliver his pet to the veterinarian and choose the right treatment for mycosis.

In this case, one cannot do without modern and high-quality drugs, the drug Argumistine has proven itself well here, with which the treatment of mycosis in cats will be quick and safe.

The duration of treatment is 7-14 days. The affected surface is treated by irrigation or in the form of applications.

Has your cat become irritable, often shaking his head and scratching his ears? Think about whether she is healthy. The cause of uncharacteristic behavior may be an ear fungus. The causative agents of the disease are mold, yeast and other types of fungal spores, which she could become infected with during games or personal care. Microscopic particles are everywhere: in the air, soil, water, wool and skin. When the immune system fails, the spores can become activated and multiply inside the ear. Running ear fungus in cats can lead to serious illness, or even death of a pet.

Causes of fungus

Causes of ear fungus in cats

depressed immunity;
congenital sensitivity to fungi;
non-healing wounds;
frequent cleaning of the ears;
taking antibiotics and hormones;
chronic diseases;
poor quality food.

Frequent bathing of cats and thorough cleaning of the ears destroy the natural microflora. Together with harmful bacteria, useful ones, which help fight ailments, also die.

Symptoms of ear fungus in cats

itching in the ears, the animal may often shake its head;
discharge with a sour smell from the ear canal;
swelling and redness of the ears;
peeling of the skin;
loss of appetite;
change in behavior: apathy or irritability

Even the presence of one of these symptoms should alert the owner. First, carefully examine the ears of the animal. If you find non-healing scratches, rashes or plaque, contact your veterinarian. He will be able to reliably determine the diagnosis: whether the cat has a fungus in the ears and how to treat it.

The doctor will examine the auricles and eardrums, take a culture for analysis. The lab technicians will determine which drug will work best and give the best results.

Types of ear fungus in cats

Often, cat ears are affected by yeast or mold fungi.

Malassezia pachydermatis. Malassezia spreads not only in the auditory canals, but also on the mucous membranes and skin. Due to severe itching, the animal scratches the sore spot to wounds, aggravating the situation with a bacterial infection.
Aspergillus is a type of fungus. Usually these fungi live on the skin of animals, from where they can get into the ears. Prolonged illness to threaten the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract.
Fungi of the genus Candida multiply on the skin and in the internal organs.
Trichophytes and microspores are the cause of ringworm, a serious disease that is dangerous to humans. A sick pet has rounded bald patches with small ulcers.

Sequelae of ear fungus in cats.

Often, cat owners mistake a fungal infection for the consequences of an ear mite disease or otitis media. Delayed diagnosis entails serious consequences: cerebral edema, inflammation of the eyes, hearing loss, complete hearing loss.

Treatment and prevention

To recover the four-legged as soon as possible, it is necessary to eliminate the factors that contributed to the infection, and start the correct treatment with antifungal drugs intended for cats.

Medicines for treatment

Medicines are prescribed only by a veterinarian. Flucytosine and amphotericin B infusion solutions demonstrated high efficiency. Ketoconazole and griseofulvin tablets are prescribed inside - the doctor will determine the dosage and frequency of administration. In addition to solutions and tablets, special ointments and liniments are placed in the ears.

Prevention of ear fungus in cats

Simple rules of care will help prevent fungus in the ears of a cat:

proper nutrition;
taking multivitamins;
moderate bathing;
systematic cleaning of feeding and sleeping places of the pet;
optimal room humidity;
early vaccination.

At the first appearance of symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for a proper diagnosis.

Many breeders are so accustomed to their cat constantly rubbing and scratching their ears that they take this behavior for granted. But it's not. Itching in this area can be a sign of many diseases, some of which are very dangerous, if not for life, then for the health of the animal - for sure. For example, ear fungus in cats can lead to such symptoms.

Practicing veterinarians have long concluded that fungal pathologies in cat ears are most often caused by one of two types of pathogens: either Malassezia pachydermatis, or (which is much rarer) candida albicans. Accordingly, the disease is called malassezia or candidiasis.

Let's look at Malassezia pachydermatis first. This is a very non-specific pathogen in every sense of the word. In fact, Malassezia does not even belong to the "classic" fungi, but to yeast microorganisms. But that's not what makes her special. The fact is that this yeast fungus under normal conditions not only does not cause any diseases, but is also a real symbiont.

Its layer covers the surface of the skin of even healthy animals, preventing other microflora from penetrating into its thickness. Accordingly, it is a natural protective cover. But sometimes it happens that harmless yeast “mutate”, turning into the causative agent of the inflammatory pathology of fungal etiology.

The reasons for this are quite simple: strong and prolonged, long-term use of antibiotics and / and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids at home, without the supervision of a veterinarian. These drugs, being very useful and even indispensable in the fight against infectious diseases, can play a bad joke on the animal. It is for this reason that they are recommended either to be changed, or to take breaks in use.

As for Candida albicans, it is quite a pathogenic fungus, without any symbiotic "hands". True, it rarely affects the ears. Candidiasis is much more typical of the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs. However, against the background of extremely long-term use of antibacterial agents and the same anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, ear diseases develop quite often.

Ear fungus symptoms

Signs of ear damage are distinguished by a number of specific signs that are not easy to miss.

The symptoms in these cases are as follows:

Leaning over your pet, you will surely feel a sharp and extremely unpleasant smell. So, with Malassezia, it can resemble the “aroma” of old socks.
Constant scratching and scratching of the ears is characteristic.
An unpleasant-looking and even more unpleasant-smelling exudate may be discharged from the ear passages.
The auricles can become very reddened, their swelling is possible.
The animal frantically shakes its head (splattering exudate around itself), or walks, strangely tilting it to the shoulder.
Even with light palpation of the ears and nearby tissues, the animal shows visible nervousness and even aggression, which indicates a pain reaction.
Changes in behavior such as apathy or irritability.

Note that ear diseases in cats are common, but far from always they are caused only by a fungus.

It is believed that in practice there are no more than 6% of pure "fungal" otitis, in other cases they are associated with ear mites and inflammations of a bacterial nature.

Causes of ear fungus

Once again, we note that “out of the blue” the fungus will not “break through” the immunity of a healthy cat. In cases of fungal pathologies, you should always think about what exactly was the root cause:

Finally, we should not forget about the long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, but we have already written about them above.

Foreign bodies and trauma. The stubble of old (last year's) grass is especially dangerous. Firstly, it perfectly injures the ears by itself. Secondly, there are a huge number of fungal spores on the particles of old grass. Combination of trauma and foreign body = almost unambiguous development of bacterial or fungal (or fungal immediately after bacterial) infection. If your cat regularly walks outside, check the condition of his ears just as regularly.

pathology. Deficiencies or excesses of various hormones are a very dangerous cause of fungal pathologies. Thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids synthesized by the adrenal glands and sex hormones - all of them not only directly affect the fungal diseases of the ears (more precisely, increase the likelihood of their occurrence), but also the health of the entire skin.

Diagnostics

Treatment of fungus in cats

Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone are often used to reduce inflammation. Finally, if the blood biochemistry has revealed a serious violation of hormone levels, replacement therapy is prescribed.

For allergies, it is necessary to prescribe antihistamines, combining them with antifungal drugs. Sometimes corticosteroids are needed. With fungal inflammations provoked by an abundance of ear mites, special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the ear canals.

Their presence is indicated by a dry, dark, crumbly coating in the ear, resembling coffee grounds. Without their destruction, it will not be possible to cope with fungi. To thoroughly clean the cat's ears, you can use any veterinary drops intended for treatment.

It is necessary to consult a veterinarian more often, since combined fungal-bacterial infections seriously affect the general condition of the animal.

We also note that with severe damage to the ear canal, there may be a need for surgical intervention.

Regardless of the specific underlying cause of a fungal ear infection, it is highly recommended to keep your ear canals clean on a regular basis.