A fungal infection in cats is any type of adverse reaction to the growth of fungal spores in or on your pet's body. These infections are quite common, though not as widespread as bacterial infections. Left untreated, they can spread to other parts of your cat's body and cause him a variety of dangerous and potentially serious or even fatal side effects. Fortunately, however, most fungal infections can be treated with relative ease and a few administrations of anti fungal medicines. Read on for a brief overview of fungal infections in cats, including their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment plans.
Symptoms of a Fungal Infection
Cats can contract a fungal infection through inhaling fungal spores or if those spores are allowed to enter into certain parts of your pet's body. Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas, so folds of skin around the ears are common locations for fungal infections, as are certain parts of the groin area. The exact symptoms that your pet will suffer from will depend upon the location of the fungal infection. Keep an eye out for the following potential fungal infection symptoms in your cat:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing while breathing
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the eyes, nose, or ear
- Inflammation or redness
- Fever
- Skin lesions
If you notice any of these symptoms or any others that you think may be associated with a fungal infection, it's a good idea to take your pet in to the vet immediately. Take note of the symptoms that you've seen and be prepared to tell your vet about them and how long they've been persistent.
Diagnosing and Treating Fungal Infections
In order to diagnose your pet's fungal infection, your vet must first confirm that his symptoms are not representative of another condition. Because the symptoms of a fungal infection may be similar to those of other types of conditions, a swab of the affected area can be helpful for an analysis in the lab. Additionally, your vet may wish to take a blood sample to have a chemistry panel conducted.
Once you have conclusively determined that your pet is suffering from a fungal infection, you can then move to treat his condition. This can be done typically through anti fungal drugs. These drugs should be administered orally or topically, depending upon the nature of the infection. As with any other treatment, it's important that you inform your vet of any other health concerns affecting your cat before you begin to treat his infection. These medicines are typically very safe for use in cats, but they may cause some side effects. In order to prevent side effects while treating a fungal infection, ensure that you follow your vet's instructions as closely as possible.
One of the major problems that many people run into when treating a fungal infection is that they do not complete the treatment. Continue to provide the medicine to your cat through the full duration of the treatment, regardless of whether his symptoms seem to improve. This will ensure that all of the fungus is eliminated.