Miconazole cream is a topical treatment that may be applied when a dog has a fungal infection such as ringworm. The product is from the same family of solutions as ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole, which are used mostly in fungal diseases. The cream will be applied on the skin and should prevent the spreading and development of the fungi.
Uses of Miconazole
Miconazole is a powerful fungicide that is available both in the form of pills and cream. The miconazole cream is most often used when the dog is affected by ringworm, which is a fungal infection that causes itchiness and hair loss in patches. The ringworm infection may affect various areas of the body, depending on the area of contact with the infection source.
Miconazole cream can also be used when the dog is affected by the following fungal infections:
- Yeast infection, which may be present on the dog's skin, mouth, ears, eyes or rectum and vagina; the miconazole cream is only recommended for topical use, when the dog has a skin infection
- Blastomycosis and coccidoidomycosis, which are also infections that manifest on the skin
- Cryptococcosis
Miconazole cream cannot be used in pets that are affected by bacterial or viral infections, as the solution cannot interfere with the reproduction of these agents and will not kill them.
A thorough diagnosis is required prior to prescribing any type of oral or topical medication to the dog. The dog will manifest symptoms such as:
- Dermatitis
- Rashes
- Skin itchiness
- Skin that has a specific odor, different than usual, due to the fact that the fungi mix with the dog's skin oils and form this foul odor
- Hair loss, in circular shapes, which point to a ringworm infection
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes
- Discharges from the ears or eyes
These signs may also indicate a bacterial infection or an infection of a different nature, so take your dog to the vet prior to using a miconazole cream.
Effects of Miconazole
When applied on the skin, the miconazole cream will stop the development and reproduction of the fungi. The fungal cells will be drastically reduced. If the cream is not used, the fungi can reproduce at an alarming rate, making the treatment lengthy. When the infection is more severe, oral antifungal medication should also be prescribed, to manage the infection. The topical treatment should be applied twice per day, making sure that the cream is fully absorbed by the skin. The miconazole cream should be applied for several weeks, as indicated by the vet, even if the signs of the infection seem to subside.
Side Effects of Miconazole
When applied topically, the miconazole cream may have only minor side effects such as:
- Skin rashes
- Changes in the color of the coat, which may also become dull and coarse
- Skin depigmentation or hyperpigmentation