Trichophytosis is a fairly common disease among street dogs. But it can also occur in pets, the condition of which is constantly monitored by the owners. Let's talk about the causes of the disease, its symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention.
What is trichophytosis?
Trichophytosis in dogs is an infectious disease caused by a fungus. It is more popularly known as ringworm.
Fungi that provoke the appearance of the disease are highly resistant to temperature extremes and disinfectants, and are also able to survive for a long time in the external environment: on wooden objects, bedding and in the soil.
The disease is very dangerous, as it can be transmitted not only among animals, but also to humans. It is quite difficult to cure it, especially if the disease was discovered too late and is already at an advanced stage.
Causes of disease
Fungal skin diseases can affect absolutely any pet. Infection occurs through food, toys or after contact with a sick animal.
The likelihood of lichen increases in the following cases:
- the dog is not under the supervision of the owners (stray dog);
- the animal has very low immunity;
- pet recently suffered severe stress;
- a dog has been infected with parasites for a long time: lice or worms;
- the animal does not have adequate nutrition.
The organism of such dogs cannot resist the development of the fungus, as it is in a very weakened state. It is their disease that strikes in the first place.
Symptoms of disease
Trichophytosis in dogs may be accompanied by some specific symptoms. It is worth noting that during the incubation period, the owners do not even know that the pet has a disease, since there are no clear signs at this moment. But after about two weeks, the symptoms appear very clearly.
First of all, this is the appearance of a rash. At first, it may be barely noticeable, but over time it increases and turns red. In the same period, hair loss occurs in the animal, as the fungus grows in the epidermis. The head, ears, lower parts of the paws and the base of the tail are most susceptible to the influence of microorganisms. In the absence of the necessary treatment, the infection spreads to the rest of the body.
As a rule, the resulting spots on the dog's skin are very itchy and flaky. After some time, a crust forms on them. At this point, it is important to pay attention to the he alth of the pet and start timely treatment. Otherwise, pus will begin to form under the crust, and it will be much more difficult to deal with the problem. This condition is called "neglected trichophytosis in a dog." What to do in this case? Contact your veterinarian immediately to help you find the right medications.
Preparation for treatment
What to do if a fungus (trichophytosis) was found in dogs? Treatment primarily involves following some simple rules:
- Isolate the pet from other animals and children.
- During the treatment period, all family members should pay maximum attention to the rules of personal hygiene.
- In the house or apartment where the sick dog is located, wet cleaning should be carried out regularly. It is important to use disinfectants when doing this.
- All other items that the dog comes into contact with during the day are also subject to disinfection.
Medicated treatment
We remember that trichophytosis in dogs is a fungal infection. Therefore, it is logical that antifungal drugs are used for its treatment, which can be presented in the form of ointments, tablets, vaccines. In most cases, these products contain iodine, which is not tolerated by fungi. The most common drugs include:
- "Itraconazole";
- "Griseofulfin";
- "Dermatol";
- "Yuglon";
- "Zoomikol";
- "Nitrofungil;
- "Betadine" (solution).
The price of each of the above products is quite low, but they are all very effective in the fight against fungus.
Before using any of the external agents, some preparation is necessary. On the damaged area, you need to carefully cut off the remaining hair, rinse the skin with water and treat with iodine. Next, an antifungal drug is applied directly, for example, "Betadine" (solution). Its price, by the way, is about 166 rubles per bottle. You can repeat the procedure up to 2-3 times a day.
It is also important to make sure that the dog does not lick off the product after applying it. Alternatively, you can bandage the affected area.
Along with antifungal agents, the veterinarian may prescribe immunomodulatory drugs, nutritional supplements and vitamins to the pet.
How to treat ringworm at home
It is immediately worth noting that the use of any of the folk remedies is important to first coordinate with the veterinarian. In addition, this type of treatment is still recommended to be combined with drug therapy.
So, how to treat ringworm at home? You can get rid of the problem with apple cider vinegar and iodine. In the first case, you need to lubricate the cleaned affected area about 4-5 times a day, and in the second - up to 3-4 times.
Trichophytosis in dogs can be cured withgarlic. To do this, you need to clean one of its clove and grease with lichen juice. Next, apply a mixture of birch charcoal and plantain juice (1: 1) to the affected area. In the absence of the latter, you can limit yourself to only garlic.
Disease prevention
Such trouble as trichophytosis in dogs can be avoided. To do this, you will need to follow some simple preventive measures:
- carry out daily wet cleaning in the house where the pet lives. When doing this, use disinfectants;
- wash the paws of the animal after each walk and bathe it as needed;
- remember that the disease is transmitted by contact and avoid stray dogs;
- timely rid your pet of parasites;
- the dog must live in appropriate hygienic conditions;
- provide proper and nutritious nutrition for your pet.
Special attention should be paid to a special anti-infective vaccine. It can be used both for the treatment of the disease and as a prophylactic. The most famous drugs in this area are Microderm and Vakderm. They show the greatest efficiency in combination with Baksin.
Vaccination is carried out in two stages, during which one vaccination is given. The interval between them is within ten days.
It is worth considering that after vaccination, the dog's condition may noticeably worsen. No needbe afraid of this process, as it is quite normal and soon the animal returns to its former life, but with increased immunity.
