How to Treat Cats with Ringworm Using Miconazole

It's important to learn how to treat cats suffering from ringworm, because it's an infectious skin condition that's easily transmitted from one animal to the other. Humans can also contract this skin infection from pets and it's therefore important to watch for any symptoms of ringworm and treat it promptly.

Ringworm is an infection that's caused by certain fungi like microsporum gymseum and trichophyton. While some pets exhibit the symptoms of ringworm, others are only carriers of the infection. In order to find out if your pet is a carrier of the ringworm infection, the vet will have to perform certain culture tests.

Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats Include:

  • A skin lesion
  • Hair loss at the affected site
  • Pustules
  • Cat frequently licks the affected area
  • Hairballs 
  • Itchiness

Treatment of Ringworm

If the vet has confirmed the presence of a ringworm infection, the cat will be prescribed certain oral antifungal tablets. The vet will also ask you to use a topical antifungal medication to reduce the itchiness and kill the infection. Since oral antifungal medications have their own side effects, they should be administered with caution.

Miconazole is one such fungal medication that's used to treat skin infections. Since it's a prescription medication, it should be used according to the vet's instructions.

Miconazole for Cats

Miconazole contains certain active ingredients like miconazole nitrate, polyethylene glycol and ethyl alcohol. These ingredients help to cure ringworm infections within 14 days. Miconazole is available as a topical solution in a dropper bottle. It should be applied to the affected area two times a day for a period of four weeks. If the ringworm infection subsides before four weeks of application of the medication, discontinue use only after obtaining vet approval.

Precautions

Although this topical solution is relatively safe for use in pets, the affected area shouldn't be covered with a bandage once the medication is applied. In rare instances, the cat could develop certain side effects like skin irritation, redness and blisters. If this happens you should take the pet for a vet check, as you might have to use another medication if Miconazole is not agreeing with your cat's skin.

Since Miconazole is a topical solution that should only be applied to affected parts of the body, the solution shouldn't come in contact with the cat's eyes or nose. You should also prevent your cat from licking the solution once it has been applied. An Elizabethan collar may be used for this purpose.

Preventive Tips

Since the fungi that cause ringworm infections survive in the environment,  take precautionary measures to prevent recurring infections. You should steam clean your carpets and wash the cat's bedding in hot water. Also clean your fireplace and your curtains, because fungi are known to thrive in such places. Although ringworm infections aren't life-threatening conditions, they should be treated in time so that the cat doesn't experience a lot of pain and discomfort.

Avoid using any over the counter products along with Miconazole, because a combination may cause severe skin reactions in your pet.

 

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