Ringworm in cats on the ears. Ringworm in cats: treatment, signs, initial stage, than to treat. What to do if you find signs of illness in a pet

Ringworm is a fairly common and dangerous skin disease caused by two types of fungi. The first causes trichophytosis, the second - microsporia. The disease affects the skin of not only animals, but also people with weakened immune systems.

Ringworm: description of the disease, symptoms

Ringworm spreads easily and very difficult to treat. The spores of the fungus are very tenacious and can persist for a long time on various surfaces. It is believed that only stray animals suffer from ringworm, but this is not so - for pets, the disease is also not uncommon. Basically, infection occurs from rodents or through contact with stray cats on the street.

The causative agent of cat lichen is resistant to disinfectants and detergents. Starving, sick cats with weak immune defenses, as well as animals affected by worms, are more at risk of contracting lichen.

Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats

The onset of the disease may indicate small rashes on the skin. However, they are very difficult to detect under the thick coat of the animal, so the initial stage of the disease usually goes unnoticed. But still, upon careful examination, one can notice the appearance of a small speck of bare skin, on which pustules and scales are visible. In some cases, itching is observed.

The incubation period of the disease can last from 7 days to three months, depending on the strength of the cat's immunity.

Symptoms may be as follows:

the cat's hair becomes crumpled and greasy;
fungal infections are noted on the claws.
there is a deformation of the claws and their abnormal growth;
hair loss in the affected areas;
the appearance of dandruff.

With an advanced form of the disease, the cat sleeps a lot, refuses to eat, is almost inactive and does not respond to its name. Gradually, the area of infection expands and the spores of the fungus capture more and more new areas of the body. The head, tail and neck are most commonly affected.

In order to start the treatment of such a dangerous disease in time, you need to know exactly what ringworm looks like in cats. If you have a sick cat in your apartment, then he is better define a special place where he will eat and spend most of his time. You should not bathe an animal in a shared bathroom, let it go to the kitchen and rooms, because lichen is very contagious and can easily pass to a person, especially a small child. Limit your pet's movement around the house until he is fully recovered.

The symptoms of some diseases are very similar to lichen (for example, the vital activity of the lice). Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. The presence (or absence) of this disease will help determine the Wood's lamp, which emits ultraviolet light. If lichen is really present, then under the influence of rays, the skin on the affected area will illuminate bright green.

However, this method has its drawbacks:

some types of microorganisms, like lichen, can fluoresce;
not every type of lichen fungus can produce such a reaction.

For a more accurate diagnosis from the affected area of the body scraping is taken. The sample is placed in a vessel with a special medium, with a positive result, after 5-6 days a colony of spores (a white lump) appears in the flask. To confirm the diagnosis, examinations are carried out using a microscope.

Cat's lichen: photo

Many people wonder: what does lichen look like in cats?

Ringworm in cats is a group of small round spots on which the hair has completely fallen out. Over time, the spots become larger, and their size increases. Spores of the fungus, hitting one area of the skin, spread rapidly, increasing the area of infection and the severity of the disease. The skin at the site of the lesion and near it resembles dandruff.

Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of the disease in the head and muzzle of the animal, since the lesion can go to the mucous membranes, for example, the eyes, which leads to blindness.

Types of lichen in cats

Ringworm is mainly caused by the following types of fungus:

Microcporum canis;
Microcporum gypseum;
Trichphyton.

All these species are practically the same and therefore have similar symptoms.

Treatment for ringworm in cats

The method of therapy for pet infection with lichen is determined by several factors. The degree of resistance of the body, the number and size of the affected areas, as well as the phase of the development of the disease are taken into account.

Vaccines

In the initial stages, lichen can be cured with the help of special preparations:

Polivak;
microderm;
Wakderm F.

Vaccination of domestic cats is carried out 2-3 times with an interval of two weeks. The same injections are recommended for prophylactic purposes in case of a threat of infection of a cat. For example, if there are several cats in the house and one of them is definitely ill with lichen. In order to strengthen the cat's immunity, drugs such as Fosprenil and Ribotan are used.

Ointments

If the initial phase of infection has gone unnoticed and the disease has spread to almost the entire body of the cat, the use of ointments is inevitable. In this case, the doctor may prescribe one of the following drugs:

Sanoderm;
ointment YaM BK;
Fungin.

Each of these drugs has an antifungal effect and is able to eliminate the causative agent of the disease.

The treatment of affected areas with fungin should be carried out with a cotton swab once a day. The course of treatment is two weeks.

NM BK is applied twice a day for 10 days, that is, until the crusts begin to separate on the affected areas and hair growth resumes.

Also performed well ointment Sanoderm, the course of therapy of which is up to one month. Initially, the drug is used twice a day until the onset of improvements in the condition of the skin, in the future, the use of the drug can be reduced to once a day.

In addition to the above drugs, Miconazole and Thiabendazole can be used.

Sulfuric lime baths have good efficiency.

If the disease is not very advanced, ringworm in cats can be cured on its own at home. However, before using oral preparations, it is necessary to consult a specialist, since most of them have side effects.

Preparations for internal use

Particularly complex cases require adjunctive treatment with oral medications. These may be the following situations:

Among oral preparations, a special antifungal antibiotic Griseofulvin can be noted, which suppresses foci of inflammation and promotes rapid tissue regeneration. Complex treatment (griseofulvin + ointment) enhances the effectiveness of the drug. However, this drug has side effects in the form of possible anemia(anemia), and therefore, before using griseofulvin, it is necessary to examine the blood for platelets. Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of pregnant animals.

Also, the synthetic antifungal drug Ketoconazole, used twice a day, showed itself well. The dosage is determined by the size of the pet and is calculated in the ratio of 5-10 mg / kg. live weight. It is possible to use ketoconazole once a day, but subject to a doubling of the single dose. Side effects are anorexia and diarrhea.

Itraconazole is another drug used to treat lichen in cats. Unlike ketocanazole, this drug has a milder effect. The dosage is determined at the rate of 10 mg / kg. live weight.

So, ringworm is very dangerous and contagious disease, from which not only your pets can suffer, but also you yourself, as well as members of your family. Therefore, the disease is easier to prevent by observing the necessary precautions, and if the infection still occurs, you should immediately contact a specialist and begin treatment without bringing the disease to extreme stages.

Ringworm in cats

Lichen in animals is a fungal disease that affects the skin. Most often, they are infected with cats that go for a walk in the yard or porch. You can also infect an animal at home. Fungi are brought into the house by a person on shoes and clothes. Lichen in cats is treated with medication, folk remedies.

Ringworm in cats is a skin disease caused by a special type of fungus called dermatophytes. The disease is extremely unpleasant and can affect not only the skin, but the claws and hair. Previously, the disease was considered incurable, but at present, medicine successfully copes with the disease. Of course, lichen can pass on its own, but it is dangerous to hope for it. Primarily for the life of the animal, although there are cases when the fungus was transmitted to humans.

We will talk about prevention, diagnosis, types of lichen and many other issues in this article.

Causes

Lichen is a skin disease that manifests itself in the form of a rash on the coat, nails and body.. Moreover, the disease is also characteristic of other domestic animals: dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. The main causative agents of lichen are fungi that easily develop in animals with weakened immunity. These include:

Trichophyton;
Microsporum canis;
Microsporum gypsum.

Infection occurs by direct contact with the carrier. Sometimes the disease penetrates through household items. But a pet can be just a carrier. He himself does not get sick.

The incubation period of the fungus lasts from several days to months. Previously, lichen was practically not treated, but at the present time, if the disease is recognized at the initial stage, then it is quite easy to get rid of it. The average term for solving the problem is up to 3 weeks. In especially neglected cases, prevention and treatment last up to a year.

Much depends on animal immunity. A strong and strong cat with proper nutrition and proper care will easily cope with disputes. The situation is different with a weakened, old or sick animal. Wool is a favorable environment for the development of the disease, because. spores with rooted force develop in a humid and warm environment.

Kittens and young cats are at particular risk.. Especially during pregnancy. Some decorative breeds of cats, bred experimentally by breeders, do not have natural protection against fungal spores. They often include Persian and Scottish cats.

Fungus spores can remain inactive for a long time (up to several years!) in woolen products, carpets, furniture, but at the same time remain fully viable. Once in a favorable environment, they develop rapidly

Type of lichen in cats

Although the disease causes only three strains of fungi, there are a little more varieties, and most importantly external manifestations. Let's take a look at them and give each a small description.

Infectious fungal disease has several varieties:

Ringworm.
Weeping lichen.
Pink deprive.
Shingles.
Multicolored lichen.

Their symptoms and treatment are different. Therefore, we will consider each type separately.

Ringworm

Dermatophyte is provoked by fungi.

They multiply on the skin. Particularly dangerous for long-haired cats, for example, Persians, since the first symptoms are invisible visually.

In short-haired pets, it is easier to diagnose dermatophyte at an early stage of the disease.

ringworm symptoms:

Round bald spots appear on the head and ears of the animal.
Hair falls out profusely.
Bald areas of the skin are covered with scales.
There is severe itching in places of inflammation.

Its nature is already definitely fungal. Spores are very dangerous for people, especially for children. In the people it is called "cat's" lichen. Its spores are extremely tenacious and can be in an inactive state for up to 10 (!) Years. True, they die in the ground after a few months. Spores are clearly palpable on clothing and furniture.

Its main danger is that it is transmitted from a person to an animal and vice versa. The fungus literally feeds on the top layers of the skin. In long-haired cats, its recognition of the initial stage is extremely difficult.

At the first stages, hair loss occurs with the formation of white scaly plaque in these areas.. The area of the ears and paws suffers the most. Hair becomes brittle, spots gradually expand. Mucus crusts are formed with copious pus. After treatment, the affected areas of the skin will never grow back. In advanced cases, the cat goes bald almost completely.

It is these signs that should alert the owner. In any case, a trip to the veterinarian will not be superfluous. At home, with a high probability it is impossible to identify lichen. In some cases, one or two areas are affected that are difficult to see. Owners sound the alarm only when the lichen enters a severe stage.

In some cases, the whole body is exposed to infection, and not its individual parts.

Owners often confuse ringworm with other conditions. For example, it may be an allergic reaction to household chemicals, cigarette smoke. Sometimes similar symptoms occur with tick infestation, diabetes mellitus, or severe stress experienced by the animal.

Dermatophyte is dangerous to humans. Isolation of a sick animal is necessary in the first days of infection. At this time, do a general cleaning of the house, using disinfectants.
Before prescribing therapy, the veterinarian conducts a diagnosis of the disease. It is very easy to confuse ringworm with other types of fungal infection.

Dermatophysis is treated at home with the following remedies:

Shampoo. To eliminate itching, detergents are used, which include ketocanazole. These are Nizoral shampoos. Before bathing, you need to shave the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe body. Tools (scissors or a razor) must be treated with alcohol after use.
Shampoos are not medicinal products. They only make things easier for the animal.
Ointments. The antifungal agent contains an antibiotic. You need to smear the body of a cat several times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Clotrimazole, Miconazole ointments have proven themselves well.
Spray. Medicines that save the animal from depriving are available in the form of an aerosol. They are convenient and economical to use. The active substance - clotrimazole - is applied to bald spots, or a gauze compress soaked in medicine is made.
Vaccines. It is necessary to vaccinate a cat and kittens after infection. Do not vaccinate pregnant cats, babies under 2 months.
If the disease continues to progress after treatment with ointments and sprays, then oral agents. These are antifungal tablets. These include Fluconazole, Itraconazole and Griseofulvin. It is impossible to independently prescribe the dosage and duration of the course of treatment. The veterinarian takes into account the weight, age of the cat, determines the dose and controls the healing process.

Important! The incubation period for infection with ringworm is a few days or a couple of months. In pets with strong immunity, the onset of the first symptoms may be delayed for 3 months. During this period, the cat is able to infect people and other animals.

weeping lichen

This is not an infectious disease, but an allergic reaction to household chemicals, dirt, fleas. This disease occurs in cats with reduced immunity, with hormonal disruptions, stress.

This species is not infectious. It manifests itself due to weakened immunity, as a reaction to external stimuli. For example, for detergents. Similarly, severe stress leads to malfunctions in the body and provokes weeping lichen. One way or another, it is not dangerous for a person.

Red spots are spreading over the cat's body. The rash is blisters that are filled with fluid. The abscesses burst, pus is released. It gradually dries up, forming an unpleasant crust. In rare cases, the temperature rises, the cat loses orientation in space, meows invitingly and moves little.

Weeping lichen symptoms:

Wet spots on the cat's body.
Temperature rise.
Inflammation and pus in infected areas if left untreated.

It is difficult to cure weeping lichen. Be sure to find out the cause of malfunctions in the animal's body. Eliminating it, you can achieve results in the treatment of lichen.
The veterinarian conducts an examination, prescribes therapeutic agents. First of all, you should take care of the condition of the cat's skin. Ointments help reduce inflammation. They have an astringent and antiseptic effect. Usually prescribed salicylic, sulfuric and tar ointment.

Lichen ointment - an affordable and effective way to combat the disease.

Important! It is impossible to know exactly how much weeping lichen is treated. Continue to use ointments, compresses and bandages until the redness and inflammation on the cat's body completely disappears.

pink lichen

The appearance of a pink spot anywhere on the cat's body, itching, peeling and the spread of similar symptoms throughout the body are considered signs of pink lichen. This disease is not infectious.. Occurs in immunocompromised animals.

What to do if you find pink lichen in a cat or kitten? You can remove lichen by adjusting the nutrition of the animal. Include vitamins and minerals in your diet. Give us specialized food. You can’t bathe a cat, protect the animal from the sun.

Pink lichen goes away on its own after a few months., subject to an attentive attitude to the state of health, nutrition of the pet. No additional medical treatment required.

This type is the most common sign of impending baldness in cats. It is not transmitted and is not dangerous to humans. The reasons for its occurrence are not fully understood, but presumably it is a kind of virus. Pink lichen is inherited. After treatment, it may resume in a new, severe form.

At the time of illness, many veterinarians still recommend limiting the contact of the animal with people. This is especially true for children and the elderly.

Based on the name, it manifests itself in the form of a numerous pink rash or rare large spots. Most often, lichen appears on the abdomen or in the genital area. The skin is flaky, but the edges remain smooth. In this case, it is especially dangerous to get other microorganisms on the damaged areas. This causes nausea, fever, complicates treatment and weakens the immune system as much as possible.

Important! Pink lichen is not transmitted to humans.

Shingles

This disease is not diagnosed in animals. It is found only in humans. Such a diagnosis is made erroneously, that is, this type of disease is confused with other types of lichen.

Photo: lichen in cats

versicolor

Dangerous disease for animals and humans. It gets the most activity in the summer. The disease is caused by the fungus Pityrosporum. Interestingly, the vast majority of people are its carriers. It is very often found on the fur of animals. Under favorable conditions, such as increased oiliness of the hair, the fungus enters the active phase. High humidity and heat provoke the transition of spores into a pathogenic state. What multi-colored lichen looks like can be seen below.

At the initial stage, a barely noticeable bright spot develops on the body of a cat. But after a couple of days they appear everywhere, merge and form huge patches.

It is multi-colored lichen that often causes deformation of the claws. When hit under hard tissues, it develops extremely quickly and it is worth acting rapidly.

The affected surface may be smooth or scaly. Interestingly, during a strong cold snap, the spots rapidly shrink in size, and often disappear altogether. But this is a temporary lull. Soon multi-colored lichen will deal a new crushing blow.

Symptoms of multi-colored lichen:

The appearance of a small spot on the body of a cat.
Staining of the infected area in pink, yellow, brown.
The spread of inflammation over the entire surface of the animal's skin.

It is not recommended to treat multi-colored lichen on your own.. The therapy is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. For treatment, medicines containing enilconazole are used:

Imaverol. An emulsion is being prepared, which is treated with the body of the animal 1 time in 3 days. The procedure is carried out no more than 4 times.
Lime Sulfur. Toxic substance based on hydrogen sulfide lime. It is diluted with water, in the proportion of 1 ml of medicine per 33 ml of water. Processing is carried out 1 time in 7 days.

When using the medication safety rules for humans and animals must be observed:

Be sure to wear a mask and gloves.
Treat outdoors or in a well ventilated room.
Protect the mucous membrane of the animal from contact with the drug.
Wear a collar on the cat after treatment to prevent licking of the substance from the body.

Preventive measures should be taken to avoid infection.

Prevention of lichen in cats and cats

High-quality treatment emotionally exhausts not only the cat, but also the owner. In addition, some types of lichen are dangerous for humans. It is extremely important to observe the prevention of the disease. A disease is always easier to prevent than to cure.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent shingles. The fact is that many antifungal drugs are resistant to drugs, and it is not always possible to choose the right effective course in such conditions. Most often, such medicines as Polivak TM, Vakderm-F or Trimivak are used. The injections are given twice with an interval of 2 weeks. Immunity is strengthened after a month and resistance to lichen lasts about a year.

We also note other methods that will prevent the disease:

Vaccinate kittens, new pets. It is imperative to remove worms from a pet before vaccination.
Disinfect the litter box and bed a couple of times a month.
Do not let your domestic cat into the yard and entrance.
Do not let other people's pets near your cat.
In case of infection with fungi, treat the habitats of the cat and kittens with a weak solution of bleach. This will kill pathogens. So you protect yourself and other pets from infection.

Diagnostics

So, during the next game with the pet, the latter showed suspicious spots that peel off, and even the hair falls out. What to do in this case? Temporarily leave the question of how and how to treat it. Let's take a look at first aid.

To begin with, we isolate the animal from other family members. Do not lock your cat in the toilet! If possible, allocate a room for your pet, equipping it with a tray and a supply of food. In the summer, you can arrange a temporary insulator on the balcony. If it is insulated, then in winter.

Next, contact the veterinary clinic by phone. You can take a photo of a pet or only the affected areas. Bringing a cat to the clinic right away can be dangerous for the animal and others. The veterinarian will come to the house and examine the cat. Sometimes specialists ask you to come to the hospital right away. But it is better to do this only after any initial diagnosis.

Clean up with disinfectants. Treat the furniture with a solution of water and vinegar, not forgetting the rugs and places where the cat most often liked to be.
Prepare a separate bowl for your pet.
If there are other pets in the house, they should be isolated, but it is better to take them to the dacha or temporarily transfer them to neighbors.

The surface of the furniture is treated with hot steam.
You can use some bleach to wash towels. But many breeders still prefer whiteness and its analogues.
A good option would be quartzing the room. Even a small lamp will kill many germs in up to 30 minutes.
For washing hard surfaces, a solution is used, which includes: water, bleach, vinegar and chlorhexidine.

What is the veterinarian doing? It all starts with a visual inspection, the study of the affected areas. The specialist asks related questions to the owner about his health, the alleged source of infection. Then he moves on to specific research methods.

The doctor scrapes the skin from the infected area and examines it under a microscope. The method is very convenient and gives a specific quick result. In rare cases, pathogenic spores cannot be found. Then the veterinarian makes a scraping from another area or resorts to other methods.

For example, irradiation with a Wood's fluorescent lamp. Its essence is as follows - the affected areas are highlighted in green, signaling infection. Unfortunately, sometimes the device reacts to harmless fungal spores, which are also on the pet's body, and does not detect some of the pathogenic particles at all.

The most accurate, but lengthy method is the growth of pathogenic spores on a nutrient medium. The veterinarian makes a scraping and transfers it to the bowl, where they stay for a while. Sooner or later, spores will develop in the cup, which will definitely signal the presence of lichen. Unfortunately, growth takes a long time (up to a month).

Alternative methods of treatment for lichen

In the early stages of infection or the course of the disease, folk remedies can be used fight against lichen at home.

Treatment of wounds and inflammations iodine and green. The affected areas on the cat's body are lubricated at least 2 times a day brilliant green solution or iodine.
Rubbing with celandine. Celandine juice is applied to inflammation. Gently rub in until completely absorbed. The procedure should be carried out every 5-6 hours.
Ash and vegetable oil masks. Wounds disinfected with iodine are covered with a mixture of ash and oil. The mask dries up the wounds, they fall off faster. The skin remains healthy and clean.
A mixture of valerian, sunflower oil and iodine. Pour 1 teaspoon of each ingredient into a bowl. Mix. Treat inflammation several times a day.
Acetylsalicylic acid and alcohol. Mix 1 tablet and 30 ml of alcohol. The solution wipes the wounds on the body of the animal. Alcohol dries up sores. A hard crust forms. You don't need to tear it off.

Important! Treatment of a domestic cat with a neglected and complex form of any kind of depriving folk remedies is impossible. Don't waste your time. If you could not help the pet on your own - contact a specialized veterinary clinic.

Prevention is easier than cure. Take care of the health of your pets in advance. Approach nutrition carefully, pay attention to the presence of vitamins on the menu, make preventive vaccinations for all animals in the house. These measures will help to avoid various diseases.

Treatment, in many respects, depends on the degree of neglect of the disease, the affected area. Sometimes ointments are used, in other cases a whole course of tablets and injections is prescribed.

Healing lasts on average up to 2 weeks. Full recovery, given the overgrowing of the affected areas with hair, takes up to a month. Unfortunately, external signs do not speak of a complete recovery. The exact answer is given only by laboratory tests.

ringworm

One of the most dangerous varieties of the disease. Pre-infected areas are additionally shaved. This will allow shampoos or ointments to absorb and act more effectively. Let's talk about the first.

Veterinarians often prescribe the following shampoos: Veterinary Formula ANTISEPTIC & ANTIFUNGAL, Doctor, Nizoral, Sebozol, and others. The last two preparations have proven themselves especially well. Shampoo is applied to the affected area and washed off with plenty of water after a few minutes. "Sebozol" is the cheapest drug presented.

It should be understood that shampoos contain antifungal drugs, but by themselves they cannot cure lichen. All medicines should be used in combination.

As for ointments. Most often used: "Epacid-F", spray "Fungin", ointment "Yam", "Sanoderm", "Clotrimazole", "Miconazole". Here are some tips for using them:

Clotrimazole is applied 3 times a day for a month.
Miconazole is applied 2 times a day for 1-2 months.
Sanoderm is a complex preparation that contains an antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory components. It is applied 2 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
Fungin is sprayed on the affected areas 2 times a day for 2 weeks.

Most often, other medicines are used for effectiveness. For example, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine. They are ground and added to food, or simply pour the powder from the capsules directly into a bowl. Similarly, injections are used.

By the way, Vaccines are used not only for prevention, but also for treatment, but in smaller doses. For example, Vakderm-F, Polivak TM, Microderm. Vaccines have a number of limitations. The main one is not to give injections to animals with a weakened immune system. Otherwise, the treatment may end in failure.

colorful

Often veterinarians prescribe Imaverol. The drug is diluted in water and the resulting solution is treated with the affected areas every 3 days. In advanced cases, the cat is literally bathed in the resulting emulsion. In difficult situations, use "Lime Sulfur". This is a solution of hydrogen sulfide lime. Processing occurs strictly according to the doctor's prescription.

The drug is used, observing the following safety methods: prevent the solution from getting into open areas of the body and eyes, use gloves, ventilate the room well after application. For a cat, it is better to buy a special collar so that it does not lick the drug from the skin. The medicine has an extremely pungent and unpleasant odor, so a mask is required when applied!

Pink

In general, the methods of treatment do not differ from the previous paragraph. Pink lichen occurs due to weak immunity, so it is extremely important to strengthen it. Provide your pet with the right diet, rest, attention and care. Protect the cat from direct sunlight, do not wash it.

The main task is to save the cat from itching. Antihistamines are usually used. If the disease has passed into a severe stage, then anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. They are used only on the advice of a veterinarian.

In general, pink lichen is the easiest to treat. In some cases, it can go away on its own in a few months. The main thing is to follow the diet, rest and sleep, as well as not to deprive the pet of attention and care. We will talk about food during and after getting rid of lichen a little later.

Weeping

This type is difficult to treat. It is extremely important not to deviate from the general course of therapy and strictly follow the doctor's instructions. In most cases, experts prescribe ointments in combination with antiseptic drugs. Here are some popular recommendations:

As for the usual application, the ointment is used 1-2 per day for 2-3 weeks.

Let's talk a little about such a delicate moment as lichen in a pregnant cat. The main difficulty is that a weakened body cannot use antifungal drugs. They negatively affect the fetus. In this case, they turn to natural and, if you like, "folk" remedies. These include medicinal plants and oils, coupled with iodine and alcohol.

Use "folk" remedies effectively only in the initial stages of the disease

Of the medicinal plants used: oregano, common valerian, tricolor violet, chamomile, burdock, plantain, yarrow and many others. Numerous decoctions for internal use are made from them. Here are some popular recipes:

Two tablespoons of nettle, succession, oregano, violets (all in equal proportions) pour 0.5 liters of boiled water. Insist for half an hour, strain. Slightly warm solution to drink 3-4 times a day before meals.
One tablespoon of chamomile, horsetail, valerian, thyme and licorice (all in equal proportions) pour 0.2 liters of boiled water and insist in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain. Slightly warm solution to drink 3-4 times a day before meals. Cats are very positive about the decoction, thanks to the leaves of valerian.
In 30 ml of alcohol, grind one tablet of aspirin. We process the affected areas for a week. An alternative would be ordinary iodine. It can be applied alone or in combination with valerian and vegetable oil.

Tea tree essential oil has proven itself well - a natural antifungal agent. It significantly improves the condition of the skin and partially copes with lichen. Essential oils must be diluted. It is enough to mix 3-4 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil. The mixture is applied 2-3 times a day until complete recovery.

Food

Getting rid of such an unpleasant disease as lichen is extremely important to adhere to a special diet. In most cases, this is diet food. It will allow you to most effectively support the body of a weakened animal. When choosing products or prepared feeds, consider the following points:

composition - the quantity and quality of nutrients;
taste qualities;
energy value;
hypoallergenic diet.

It should be borne in mind that dietary feeds are suitable only during treatment and for a short period of time, because. a healthy, strong animal is not able to fully satiate itself with such food. A particularly strict diet is observed with weeping lichen. This is due to many allergic reactions. By the way, most products are safe for cats, but it is not uncommon for animals to have intolerance to milk, soy, wheat, eggs, different types of meat (beef, chicken, pork, etc.).

The most dangerous thing is that allergies can appear suddenly. A cat can eat a certain food for several years without consequences. . At some point, the body, weakened by the disease, reacts negatively to a certain product.

Ultimately, the best option will be to use ready-made dietary feeds. They are as balanced as possible and will help support a weakened body. The duration of nutrition depends on the breed and the individual characteristics of the pet. It should be checked with a veterinarian.

The cat, in fact, is another member of the family - she is always there, purring affectionately or cheer up, showing playfulness. Despite the sometimes wayward nature, all pets really need the attention, care and love of a person, especially when they get sick. Lichen is one of the most unpleasant and dangerous pathologies for a person, requiring long-term and competent treatment. How to recognize the first symptoms of the disease, help the animal and protect yourself and your family from infection?

What is lichen, where does it come from and why is it dangerous

A small pinkish or pale gray spot is the first sign of almost all types of lichen in cats and kittens.

Timely detection and proper therapy will help to cope with the infection relatively quickly and avoid consequences. Lichen is dangerous to humans and other pets. A person can become infected simply by petting a pet. Also, infection can occur after contact with pet care items, through pet bedding or toys.

Types of lichen in cats and features of their treatment

Depending on the nature of the occurrence, lichen can be of several types. The most common type of lichen is ringworm, caused by the fungi Trichophyton and Microsporum. Most often observed in animals. Each type of lichen requires a specific treatment - improper therapy can complicate the course of the disease.

With ringworm, the animal appears rounded, bald areas of the skin, which are covered with scales and peel off

Treatment

Ringworm therapy is carried out using ointments, shampoos, in severe cases, the use of oral drugs is indicated. Vaccination gives excellent results.

Before starting treatment, cut the hairs in the affected area. Scissors should be disinfected after the procedure. Before lubricating problem areas with antifungal ointment, they should be treated with an antiseptic, for example, Fukortsin or Salicylic alcohol. The most effective ointments for the treatment of lichen include:

Clotrimazole. Apply three times a day for 30 days. It can also be used in tablet or spray form. Analogues of the drug are Mikosporin and Clotrisal. Do not use for cats bearing cubs.
Sanoderm. It has antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial action. She treats problem areas twice a day, and when the condition improves - 1 time. The course of therapy is 30 days.
Miconazole. An antifungal agent that is enough to treat the affected areas twice a day for 1-2 months. Also available in spray form.
NM. A complex preparation for the treatment of problem areas twice a day for 7-10 days. Not applicable to kittens.
Sulfuric. Helps with severe forms of fungal infection, complicated by the development of the inflammatory process. It is applied directly to the lichen itself and to the area around it not affected by the lesion - by about 3 cm. The frequency of application is 2 times a day.
Griseofulvin. Can be used for animals of any age. The frequency of processing - 2 times a day. The course of therapy is 14 days.

To enhance the effectiveness of therapy and with advanced forms of the disease, Griseofulvin is given to pets in tablets. The drug should be mixed with food - 0.25 tablets for adults and half this amount for kittens. Other oral medications used to treat lichen are Itraconazole and Flucanazole. The therapeutic dose of both drugs is determined at the rate of 8–10 mg per kilogram of pet weight. The drugs are given to the cat 1 time per day.

All tablets for the treatment of lichen in cats have negative side effects. They are prescribed for severe forms of the disease, so you should try not to bring the animal to such a state.

Sprays are also used as external agents for the treatment of lichen. One of the frequently prescribed is Fungin, which contains clotrimazole and propolis. The drug has a wide range of action - it prevents the development of inflammation and promotes healing. The spray is sprayed once a day at the rate of 0.2 ml per 1 kg of animal weight. When using Fungin, the dosage should be observed - the remedy, although effective, is toxic.

To get rid of lichen, use an antifungal shampoo - Nizoral or its analogue Sebazol. Washing the animal with such a product should be carried out twice a week, for a month and a half. Water procedures with ordinary shampoo or soap are strictly prohibited.

Immunity stimulating vaccines are widely used to get rid of lichen:

Wakderm. Promotes the development of strong immunity to fungal infections of the skin. Usually enough twice the introduction with an interval of 10-14 days. The effect of the vaccine lasts for a year.
Polivak TM. It is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by fungi Trichophyton and Microsporum. It is usually administered once, but if necessary, repeated administration is possible with an interval of 14 days.
Microderm. A single administration is usually indicated. If it is necessary to re-use, an interval of 10 days should be maintained. Can be used in kittens after one and a half months.

Vaccine Vakderm has no serious contraindications and, when following the instructions, its use does not cause undesirable effects. However, the need for its appointment is the subject of controversy among experts. The fact is that nowhere in the world it is not customary to vaccinate against depriving animals, and many breeders and veterinarians doubt the effectiveness of the drug. Vakderm is produced only in Russia and is not internationally certified.

The cause of pink lichen is a viral infection. The disease manifests itself in the form of pink spots with clear boundaries. The very first spot is usually larger. After a few days, the spots become covered with a dry crust. Affected areas flake and itch. Pathology is dangerous for other animals.

Pink lichen appears as pink spots with clear boundaries

Treatment

This type of lichen does not need special treatment and soon resolves on its own - within about 4-7 weeks. During the period of illness, it is necessary to provide the pet with a full-fledged diet enriched with vitamins and useful elements, and also take care of maintaining the immunity of the animal. Until the pink spots disappear, the pet should not be bathed and exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Lichen planus appears as a result of a malfunction of the immune system. It affects not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes. It appears as red bubbles, the surface of which is smooth and flat, with a small depression in the center.

Lichen planus is manifested by red vesicles, the surface of which is smooth and flat.

Treatment

Pathology is not contagious and requires the appointment of immunomodulatory therapy. With excessive itching, the use of antiallergic drugs is indicated. It is also recommended to take a decoction of elecampane - 10 g of grass per 100 ml of water, tsp. 3 times a day.

The causes of the appearance of weeping lichen or eczema lie in violations of various body systems - nervous, endocrine, as well as in a weakened immune system. This pathology is not contagious. The disease is characterized by the appearance of painless red spots on the body of the animal. In the future, such spots are covered with bubbles, which, bursting when combed, lead to wetting of the problem area. The final stage of the disease is the formation of lichen crusts at the site, which eventually disappear.

Weeping lichen is characterized by the appearance of red spots covered with bubbles, which, bursting, lead to wetting of the problem area.

Treatment

Before starting therapy, you should consult a veterinarian who will find out the cause of the development of the pathology. It is usually recommended to use antiseptics and astringents, which significantly improve the condition of the inflamed areas. Effective ointments include: sulfuric, NM, salicylic, ichthyol, tar.

Pityriasis versicolor

The pityriasis versicolor is contagious to other animals and humans. The first manifestation of the disease is the appearance of a yellow-brown speck with blurred boundaries. The infection spreads quite quickly - the spots merge into a large focus, which is impossible not to notice.

Treatment

Therapy for pityriasis versicolor consists of vaccination with immunomodulatory drugs, such as Vakderm, and the use of external agents. The drugs Imaverol, Miconazole, Nizoral shampoo are shown. In severe cases, the use of Lime Sulfur is recommended, which is a concentrated solution of a sulfur compound. Use it diluted, every 5-7 days, or as often as recommended by your veterinarian.

During the treatment period, other pets, as well as family members, should be protected from contact with the animal. The treatment of the skin of a cat or kitten should be carried out only with gloves. At the time of treatment, you should also limit the movement of the animal - it is better to allocate a separate room for the pet, in which, after recovery, it will be necessary to carry out a general cleaning.

How to diagnose lichen

The effectiveness of therapy depends primarily on the correct diagnosis. If you suspect the presence of lichen in an animal, you should immediately contact a specialist. After a routine examination, the pet's skin is illuminated with a Wood's lamp. Under the influence of light emitted by the device, the spores of the fungus acquire a green tint.

Lichen therapy requires a competent approach, therefore, to determine its variety, veterinarians use a whole range of techniques. These include microscopic examination and inoculation of the pathogen in a nutrient medium, followed by determination of its nature. Sowing a fungal culture takes time - at least 10 days, but allows you to determine the nature of the lichen as accurately as possible.

After identifying a pet with lichen, an urgent general cleaning of the apartment should be carried out using chlorine-containing products, to which most fungi are very sensitive.

Treatment of depriving folk remedies

Therapy with folk remedies can be carried out only at the initial stage of the disease. In severe forms of infection, such treatment is usually ineffective. Folk remedies for the treatment of lichen include:

Celandine juice. The lesion is smeared with plant juice at least 4 times a day.
Plaque or ash from burnt newspaper. Treatment with this tool is considered one of the most popular ways to get rid of lichen. To obtain it, you should set fire to the newspaper on a ceramic plate and wait until only ashes and brown deposits remain from it. With this plaque, you need to lubricate problem areas up to 4 times a day. The ashes can also be used for healing by mixing them with vegetable oil.
A mixture of wood ash and vegetable oil. Ready wood ash is sold as a fertilizer for plants. It should be mixed with oil to a paste. It is enough to treat lichen with this remedy once a day.
A mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice. The ingredients should be mixed in equal parts and warmed up a little. In this liquid, you need to moisten cotton swabs and apply them to the affected areas up to 4 times a day.

Features of the treatment of pregnant cats and kittens

The best option for treating lichen in a cat bearing offspring or a kitten is the use of external preparations. Veterinarians recommend in this case Clotrimazole or Imaverol ointments. Antifungal tablets and vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy.

If the kitten is already one and a half months old, local treatment can be combined with vaccination with Polivak TM. The vaccine is applied twice, with an interval of 10-14 days. The dose for a kitten is 1.5 ml.

In a kitten, lichen can be treated with Clotrimazole or Imaverol ointments, as well as the Polivak TM vaccine

Prevention of depriving

Lichen, like any disease, is easier to prevent than to cure. Pets should not be allowed outside unsupervised, and should not be allowed to come into contact with street animals. You should also limit contact with other cats if your cat or kitty takes part in exhibitions.

It is necessary to regularly inspect the pet, monitor the cleanliness of its bedding and care items. Periodically, you need to carry out general cleaning in the house using a weak solution of bleach.

Video: lichen in cats

Lichen in cats is a fairly common disease that has an infectious nature and is caused by dermatophyte fungi. To prescribe the correct treatment regimen for a pet, it is necessary to correctly diagnose and establish the causes of the onset of the disease.

What is deprive

The microflora of the skin of any cat is an open system, characterized by the presence of three types of microorganisms:

resident - forming permanent and long-living colonies;
temporary - settling on the surface of the skin, but able to penetrate into any wounds, provoking their infection;
nomads - pathogenic organisms that penetrate the skin barriers.

The composition of the stable microflora in healthy cats is constant and capable of preventing the appearance of colonies of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, and malfunctions of the immune system and disturbances in the microflora cause dermatomycosis, or lichen. A disease such as lichen can cause active reproduction of pathogens, which are present in small quantities in the normal microflora.

Reasons for the appearance

Keeping your cat at home will not save her from getting sick

The causes of lichen in a cat are represented by microorganisms Trichophyton, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum. In the first case, trichophytosis occurs, and with the appearance of two other microscopic fungi, microsporia appears. Pathogenic microscopic fungi get on wool from other animals or from the external environment.

Hairless cats - sphinxes can also get lichen. At the same time, as veterinary practice shows, the frequency of skin diseases in sphinxes is the highest compared to other breeds of cats.

How does it look like

The scheme of prescribed therapy and the total duration of treatment directly depend on the specific features of fungal pathology. Modern veterinarians distinguish between several types of feline lichen.

Ringworm is one of the most common types

The main feature of which is the presence of focal alopecia, framed by a large number of broken hairs.

Pityriasis or multi-colored

The disease is more likely to affect animals with oily skin

It is a disease of the upper skin layers caused by three types of yeast-like fungi. The formation of small colored spots on the skin and the appearance of dandruff most often occurs with the onset of hot and humid days.

Pink, or deprive Gibert

Pink lichen is one of the most severe diseases in cats.

Infectious pathology, presumably of a viral nature, caused by a herpes virus. A characteristic feature is the presence of several not too large lesions and one of the largest, appearing first.

Weeping

Weeping lichen can be caused by a food allergy

In the course of the development of the disease, lichen merges into a large focus

It appears when there is a malfunction in the functioning of the immune system, and infections, chronic diseases and adverse external factors can serve as a trigger. The foci of pathology are represented by small plaques with a shiny red surface.

How to determine

It is not too difficult for a specialist to diagnose lichen, but it is imperative to distinguish this pathology from allergic reactions and dermatitis. With lichen, the spots differ in the correct shape and clear boundaries, and allergies are accompanied by swelling of the skin. Among other things, the difference from dermatitis and allergies is hyperthermia caused by a general weakening of the immune system.

The simplest test for lichen is to use an ultraviolet lamp, but the accuracy of this method is not higher than 40%. A special analysis for lichen is ready in a day, and according to its results, the veterinarian selects the most effective drug.

The first signs of lichen are presented:

the appearance on the skin areas of foci without wool;
hair loss between molts;
slow overgrowth of hair after molting;
itching and combed spots on the skin;
profuse dandruff.

It can be difficult to diagnose a disease in a cat on its own. The wool of a pet partially hides the areas affected by lichen, and the habit of frequently licking well masks the presence of itching.

Why is he dangerous

Cat lichen is dangerous to humans. Fungal spores remain on the soil, cat litter, as well as on clothes, shoes and furniture, from where they easily get on the skin of a person, causing the development of the disease. Treatment involves not only the appointment of strong medications, but also a thorough disinfection of the house, personal belongings and household items.

In some cases, the treatment process can be quite long, up to several months, and on the skin of a pet after healing, the presence of hairless or depigmented spots may be observed. If the lichen in a four-legged pet is not treated, then it can either go blind or die.

Treatment at home

At an early stage of infection and in the treatment of pregnant cats, it is strongly recommended to use folk remedies. The treatment of pets suffering from complex or forms of any kind must be entrusted to doctors in a specialized veterinary clinic, after diagnosing with a Wood's lamp, sowing a fungal culture and examining under a microscope.

The mild form is treated quickly enough, so in young animals, traces of the disease disappear after about 7-10 days. Elderly pets and cats suffering from a severe form of the disease need long-term therapy. The treatment regimen must necessarily include drugs to increase immunity.

Topical agents represented by ointments, sprays, creams, shampoos and drops can be supplemented with vaccines, tablets, immunomodulators and vitamins. Overgrowth of affected areas with hair is a sign of healing, which is clearly visible even to the naked eye.

Treatment with drugs

Currently, the pharmaceutical industry produces a huge number of special preparations aimed at the prevention and treatment of lichen in pets.

Drops and spray "Fungin" are used for 10-15 days, but are toxic, so all contraindications must be taken into account.

This product is not suitable for pregnant cats and kittens.

Zooshampoo is highly effective and has not only a curative, but also a pronounced preventive effect. It is recommended to give preference to shampoos that contain ketoconazole, miconazole or enilconazole.

Ointment "YAM BK" based on sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, lanolin, lysol, turpentine, petroleum jelly and tar allows you to save the cat from lichen, eczema and trichophytosis, as well as some other dermatological diseases.

The ointment is a gentle composition of active ingredients that cures most skin diseases in cats.

Injections for vaccinating an animal against lichen can be represented by Vakderm, Polivak-TM and Microderm.

Pharmaceutical iodine or brilliant green, as well as fucorcin, are treated with fungal infections and the entire area around them twice a day.

Sulfur ointment has a pronounced antimicrobial activity and quickly restores the entire epidermis affected by fungal disease.

Sulfur ointment - an inexpensive and effective remedy for lichen

Chlorhexidine bigluconate is an affordable pharmaceutical product that allows you to perform fairly frequent treatment of affected skin areas, especially in the presence of weeping lichen.

Tablets and capsules, represented by the systemic preparations "Griseofulvin", as well as "Itraconazole", "Ketoconazole" and "Fluconazole" are prescribed only by a specialist with the calculation of the optimal dosage and total duration of therapy.

Folk remedies

The main folk remedies that have proven effective in the treatment of lichen in pets:

rubbing with celandine juice, which is applied to inflammation and gently rubbed every five hours;
ash-oil mask, which is applied to wounds disinfected with iodine and has a pronounced drying effect;
a mixture based on an equal amount of vegetable oil, valerian and iodine is used to treat lesions several times a day.

A solution based on 30 ml of alcohol and an acetylsalicylic acid tablet dries the sores very well and quickly, forming a hard crust, which subsequently disappears on its own.

Is lichen transmitted from a cat and how to treat it

With lichen, a person may experience a sharp increase in body temperature and a noticeable increase in lymph nodes.

Lichen is dangerous for humans, and especially for children. Infection with an acute anthropozoonotic disease is most often exposed to people who have a weakened immune system. As a rule, the incubation period ranges from one week to two to three months.

Immediately after the examination, specific antifungal drugs are prescribed, as well as immunomodulators to activate the immune system, and local treatment of the affected areas of the skin with special antiseptic compounds is carried out.

It should be noted that a dog can also become infected with lichen from a cat, so a sick animal must be isolated for the duration of treatment, and a very thorough general disinfection must be carried out in the house.

Prevention

An important component of lichen prevention is proper animal hygiene.

Measures for active prevention not only prevent the development of the disease, but also guaranteed to stop the spread of pathogenic microflora in case of detection of foci of the disease. The main preventive measures are presented:

fencing contact of a pet with street animals or cats with signs of illness;
disinfection of the premises with the treatment of hard surfaces with a hot solution based on laundry soap. Carpets and fabrics are steamed with a solution of chlorhexidine;
replacement of all pet equipment, including bowls and collars, as well as toys;
the introduction of quarantine for a sick pet;
compliance with hygienic measures and rules for keeping an animal;
increased immunity of a cat at any age;
providing a proper diet.

Active prophylaxis is carried out by special monovalent and associated vaccines, which should be administered to the animal in a prophylactic dose.

For example, a consistently good result is given by the timely use of the Vakderm F antilichen vaccine.

The guarantee of the most effective treatment of feline lichen is the stability of prevention and the clarity of compliance with all medical prescriptions. It is almost impossible to rid a cat of lichen without the use of special medications.

The extremely high activity of fungal spores, as well as their excellent preservation even in absolutely unfavorable environmental conditions, must be taken into account when choosing the type of antiseptic and carrying out all disinfection measures.

Ringworm is the medical term for a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails of cats. The most famous of them is microsporosis, or ringworm. This disease occurs in dogs and other mammals. In cats, this infection is more common in long-haired breeds than in short-haired ones. Ringworm in cats is diagnosed mainly in kittens or young cats.

Lichen symptoms

In cats affected by lichen, symptoms in the initial stages are associated with the death of skin cells. These cells can lead to:

to dandruff
deterioration in the condition of the coat
to redness and irritation of the skin
darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
Hair loss (alopecia)

These symptoms usually affect a round area on the skin. The classic sign of lichen in cats is focal (circular) hair loss.

Other characteristic ringworm lesions are nodular, rounded, or granulomatous lesions. In the folds of skin bordering the claw, inflammation, also known as paronychia, can begin.

These symptoms are just some of the possible signs of ringworm in cats, many of which are asymptomatic. These types of cats that are infected with ringworm are classified as asymptomatic carriers - they carry the disease-causing fungus but show no visible signs of the disease. It is important to understand that even if they do not look sick, these cats are contagious to humans and other animals.

We deprive the causes of infection

Ringworm is by far the most common cause of dermatophytosis (fungal disease) in cats. The incidence varies greatly by geographic location. Areas that are densely populated by animals (such as animal kennels or shelters), or that are heavily polluted and not quarantined, greatly increase the risk of lichen infection.

Weakened immune systems or taking immunosuppressive drugs (factors that reduce the body's ability to make a normal immune response) increase the chance that a cat will develop a fungal skin, hair, or nail infection.

Diagnostics

The veterinarian will scrape the fungal culture from the skin and do a microscopic examination of the specimen. You may need to do a biopsy. Ultraviolet light may also be required for diagnosis (Luminescent Diagnosis).

Lichen treatment

Ringworm in most cats can be treated at home as an outpatient, but it is important to consider quarantine procedures due to the infectious and zoonotic (transmitted to humans) nature of the disease. Your veterinarian should prescribe antifungal medications. An Elizabethan collar (a wide collar around the neck) is often recommended to prevent licking and swallowing of medications applied to the cat's skin.

Fungal culture is the only way to control the cat's treatment. Many animals may improve with treatment, but fungal culture may provide positive results. It is advisable to continue treatment until at least one result is negative. A blood test should be done once a week, or twice if the cat is receiving griseofulvin or another antifungal antibiotic. In addition, a blood test will help monitor liver health in cats receiving ketoconazole or itraconazole.

It is also important to understand that unprofessional use of drugs in the treatment of lichen can increase the likelihood of the disease becoming chronic.

Prevention of depriving

To prevent infection by depriving other animals, it is important to quarantine the infected animal and test all animals in the house. An infected cat should be treated appropriately to prevent a recurrence of the disease. Rodents should also be considered as possible carriers of the disease. If you suspect that your cat is dealing with rodents, it is highly recommended that you take the necessary steps to eliminate the pests.

Frequently asked Questions

What is ringworm?

What are the main symptoms of ringworm?

The classic symptoms of ringworm in cats are skin lesions that usually appear on the head, ears, and forelimbs. Ringworm can cause bald patches that look red in the center. In mild cases, localized areas of redness or just dandruff appear on the skin.

How do cats get lichen?

Cats can become infected through direct or indirect contact with an infected animal, through bedding, utensils, and other items that have been contaminated with the cells or hair of sick animals. Ringworm spores are very viable and can survive in the environment for more than one year.

Which cats are most vulnerable to lichen?

All cats can become infected, but kittens less than a year old and older cats are most vulnerable to the disease. Long-haired cats and immunocompromised animals are also more prone to infection.

What should I do if my cat is likely to have shingles?

The infection has the potential to spread throughout the cat's body, so it's important to take it to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. And since lichen can be passed on to you and other animals, it's a good idea to immediately quarantine the animal while the veterinarian makes a diagnosis. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after every contact with your cat.

How is ringworm diagnosed?

Because some cats have little to no symptoms, diagnosis is rarely made based on appearance and physical examination. Diagnosis may require ultraviolet light, microscopic examination, or culture.

How to treat lichen?

Treatment for lichen depends on the severity of the infection. The veterinarian may prescribe a shampoo or ointment that contains special preparations that can kill the fungus. In some cases, oral medications are needed. It may take up to several months to completely eradicate the fungus. This is important to avoid recurrence of the disease.

How to prevent the spread of lichen?

If the veterinarian has diagnosed lichen, then he should explain what you must do to prevent the fungus from spreading to other pets and family members. Your doctor may recommend the following measures:

Bathing or rinsing all pets with a special shampoo.
Washing of all bedding and disinfection of toys of an infected animal.
Disposal of items that cannot be fully disinfected.
Frequent vacuuming to keep the house free of hair and skin cells.
Strict personal hygiene after bathing or touching a cat.

What can happen if lichen is not treated?

If a cat with lichen is not properly treated, the fungus can spread to large areas of the animal's body, leading to hair loss and skin infections.