Ringworm update

[Cheryl8000]

I hope I’m posting this in the right place. I’m new here, and joined because I adopted a new four month old kitten. I had him home for just a few days, when I noticed ringworm. He has been on an oral antifungal for a week, along with antibiotics, shampoo and topical cream. Yesterday I found a new lesion in his ear. His original spot looks a bit better. Is this normal to have new lesions pop up during treatment? Also, he is not yet neutered. Our vet says six months. I’m worried that if he’s not better he will start spraying when he comes out of isolation. Or worse yet become Reinfected because I missed something during cleaning. Any advice appreciated, I want a healthy happy kitty!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. Sorry no one with first hand experience has responded yet. Thankfully, I have no experience with ringworm. I am including a link to an article about it (see below), in case it helps any - and, while you wait to hear from other members.

Ringworm in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

 

[Mamanyt1953]

And while you may be familiar with this, here are a couple of our articles about it. I believe I remember having a discussion about this in the past, so I'm thinking it is possible, if not usual.

Ringworm In Cats: How To Win The Fight
Ringworm Infestation In Cats: The Housecleaning Regime

 

[Cheryl8000]

Hi. Sorry no one with first hand experience has responded yet. Thankfully, I have no experience with ringworm. I am including a link to an article about it (see below), in case it helps any - and, while you wait to hear from other members.

Ringworm in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

Thank you!

 

[Cheryl8000]

And while you may be familiar with this, here are a couple of our articles about it. I believe I remember having a discussion about this in the past, so I'm thinking it is possible, if not usual.

Ringworm In Cats: How To Win The Fight
Ringworm Infestation In Cats: The Housecleaning Regime

Thank you!

 

[neely]

First, I'd like to welcome you to TCS! I'm glad you joined the site and don't worry about being a newbie. We have many friendly and knowledgeable members here.

Second, if it makes you feel a little better, one of our very first cats we adopted got ringworm and, as a result, I got it too. However, the good news is it cleared up for both of us and our cat was never reinfected. Work with your vet, follow their instructions and don't hesitate to contact them with any concerns. Best of luck and please keep us updated.

 

[Cheryl8000]

I posted about a week ago about the new kitten we got, which has ringworm, which was spreading even after treatment. Well, this is week three of oral and topical treatments, and it is spreading like wildfire. There are now so many spots to take care of that instead of being a loving sweet boy he is now wary of us touching him. Instead of playing with him and cuddling him, too much time is spent on getting every spot. It’s on the inside and outside of his ears, neck, shoulder, stomach, feet. It starts out as a small spot on his shoulder. We are following protocol very carefully, or so I thought. When I sent my husband out to get a refill on his Itrafungol, the new bottle said refrigerate after opening. I had not done this with the first bottle. I was never told, and it did not state this in the original bottle. Is this why it did not work? I’ve taken him to the vet three times for this, and am at my wits end. I now have it, and could not touch my grandson on his third birthday today. None of my grandkids can come over until this is under control. My husband is supportive, but he says there needs to be a turnaround. We are taking him back next week, and if I’m not satisfied, will take him to another vet for a second opinion. Also, we are treating the spots topically three times a day. Can we knock it back to two, and spend the third visit just playing with him? We wash all ur clotuing every time we leave the bathroom, so we keep the visits to two. I’ve read many articles, but need some hope here!!!

 

[MissClouseau]

What do you feed him with? Good nutrition and staying away from stress makes a big difference in my experience. At only 4 months old especially, if he spends heavy majority of the time alone in a room and only sees you guys 2-3 times a day, that might be slowing down the healing progress.

 

[Cheryl8000]

I feed him nourish, the brand that the rescue organization Rescue organization recommended. I also am giving him fish oil in a can of nourish wet food each day. I see him for an hour Each time I, with him, eI wash my clothes, and take a shower each time also, which dries my skin so bad I have cracks in my skin. And Im doing copious amounts of laundry because I wash my clothes each time also. I also have to find time to do the cleaning that’s recommended. I’m honestly doing the very best I can for him. Giving him a new toy each day, playing with him each time I go in. We used to cuddle, but like insaid he has so many spots that I have to treat, he can’t relax like he did when it was one or two. I’m sorry, but your answer makes me more anxious, I was really wanting some reassurance.

 

[Jem]

As for helping your kitty. I'm not too familiar with ring worm, other than I know it can be a real pain to get rid of sometimes. Our new adopted kitty had ring worm when we decided to take him. But the shelter kept him for one month to treat it before sending him home with us. His treatment was a combination of oral and topical on a specific schedule. Something like one week on orals and topicals, then one week of orals, a week off, then one more week of topicals. Or something to that effect, I'm sorry I can't remember exactly. It worked and it has never come back.

As for you and your skin. After a shower, moisturize yourself with cold pressed coconut oil. Coconut oil is very nourishing and it has anti-fungal properties (among other benefits). It is solid at room temperature but as you warm it in your hands it will liquefy for application.

 

[Jem]

Here is an Article regarding ringworm in cats that may be helpful. Note - scroll down to read about working with your veterinarian for medication and treatment: Ringworm In Cats: How To Win The Fight

I found this post in another thread about ringworm it includes a link to one of the articles about treating ringworm. I hope it's helpful.
neely I hope you don't mind I stole your post!

 

[MissClouseau]

I feed him nourish, the brand that the rescue organization Rescue organization recommended. I also am giving him fish oil in a can of nourish wet food each day. I see him for an hour Each time I, with him, eI wash my clothes, and take a shower each time also, which dries my skin so bad I have cracks in my skin. And Im doing copious amounts of laundry because I wash my clothes each time also. I also have to find time to do the cleaning that’s recommended. I’m honestly doing the very best I can for him. Giving him a new toy each day, playing with him each time I go in. We used to cuddle, but like insaid he has so many spots that I have to treat, he can’t relax like he did when it was one or two. I’m sorry, but your answer makes me more anxious, I was really wanting some reassurance.

There are one-time use bodysuits I think you cam find online. People wear them when they spray the house for bugs etc. They would help you with laundry and to spend more time with the kitty.

I am not 100% sure but I was told you can’t re-catch ringworm when you already have it and you say you already have it. Meaning, the extra things you are doing with self-cleaning may not be needed. Could you check with your dermatologist?

I am not familiar with the food brand so I will leave that part to the others.

No need to be anxious. They are annoying to get rid of but they will be gone. In the wild they go away on their own, it just takes more time without treatment .

 

[Cheryl8000]

As for helping your kitty. I'm not too familiar with ring worm, other than I know it can be a real pain to get rid of sometimes. Our new adopted kitty had ring worm when we decided to take him. But the shelter kept him for one month to treat it before sending him home with us. His treatment was a combination of oral and topical on a specific schedule. Something like one week on orals and topicals, then one week of orals, a week off, then one more week of topicals. Or something to that effect, I'm sorry I can't remember exactly. It worked and it has never come back.

As for you and your skin. After a shower, moisturize yourself with cold pressed coconut oil. Coconut oil is very nourishing and it has anti-fungal properties (among other benefits). It is solid at room temperature but as you warm it in your hands it will liquefy for application.

Thank you for the coconut oil tip, I had some in the cabinet and just put some on!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

The fact that you didn't know to refrigerate the medication may very well be the culprit here. And do NOT beat yourself up over this, you cannot do what you do not know to do.

Do think about seeing another vet. Leaving instructions like that off of medication is worrisome.

And keep us updated. This CAN turn around, and probably will, if the non-refrigeration of the medication was at fault.

 

[Cheryl8000]

The fact that you didn't know to refrigerate the medication may very well be the culprit here. And do NOT beat yourself up over this, you cannot do what you do not know to do.

Do think about seeing another vet. Leaving instructions like that off of medication is worrisome.

And keep us updated. This CAN turn around, and probably will, if the non-refrigeration of the medication was at fault.

Thank you, I am doing my best. We have an apt on Friday with this current vet, but I’m going to get a second opinion next week if there are any new concerns. I would see the new vet already, but the rescue organization I got him from told me I had to see their vet until he’s neutered and chipped. If I am not satisfied Friday, I will change vets anyway.

 

[neely]

We have an apt on Friday with this current vet, but I’m going to get a second opinion next week if there are any new concerns. I would see the new vet already, but the rescue organization I got him from told me I had to see their vet until he’s neutered and chipped. If I am not satisfied Friday, I will change vets anyway.

Usually although definitely not always a vet who works with a shelter offers his or her services for a reduced fee and may or may not invest the same amount of time as your own personal vet. You have been diligent in taking care of your kitten and the health problem will get resolved. In case I forgot to mention it, thank you for adopting.

 

[JTBanana]

First I am so sorry you have to go through! Take comfort in knowing you are not going @ this alone. I too am currently dealing with a kitten we adopted in July that has ringworm ( diagnosed in mid- August) and now our other kitty has the ringworm ( diagnosed this past Sunday) I'll be honest when the other one got it - I just broke down sobbing. Felt so defeated. Like nothing I was doing was helping. Here are a few things I learned along the way: Compounded Oral Treatment dos NOT work in my opinion. Get the FDA approved Intrafungol. Apparently the compounded does not absorb for efficiency to start working. Well, my poor little guy was on that and kept getting lesions as of last month along w/ aggressive environment cleaning and topical we were doing. Which is when I assume the other little guy got it the ringworm. I figured since he the 1st kitty had been on treatment for 3-4 weeks it was safe to play together. Oh, I was so wrong. I will say the Intrafungol has had no side effects only that it is working very well. I immediately put the other little guy on the same treatment course per our vet. Our vet @ Madison WI advised a course of treatment 30 days straight versus the pulse treatment- as this is our second go round with our first little guys. Again, ask questions w/ your vet and let them know your concerns. I too went to a another vet ( a specialist vet in ringworm) and we now are doing better. Sounds cliche but Hang in there! Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and wash your paws. Ringworm does not multiply so keep cleaning ( knowing that gave me great hope) You got this. If you need any further info let me know. I am here for you!

 

[Cheryl8000]

First I am so sorry you have to go through! Take comfort in knowing you are not going @ this alone. I too am currently dealing with a kitten we adopted in July that has ringworm ( diagnosed in mid- August) and now our other kitty has the ringworm ( diagnosed this past Sunday) I'll be honest when the other one got it - I just broke down sobbing. Felt so defeated. Like nothing I was doing was helping. Here are a few things I learned along the way: Compounded Oral Treatment dos NOT work in my opinion. Get the FDA approved Intrafungol. Apparently the compounded does not absorb for efficiency to start working. Well, my poor little guy was on that and kept getting lesions as of last month along w/ aggressive environment cleaning and topical we were doing. Which is when I assume the other little guy got it the ringworm. I figured since he the 1st kitty had been on treatment for 3-4 weeks it was safe to play together. Oh, I was so wrong. I will say the Intrafungol has had no side effects only that it is working very well. I immediately put the other little guy on the same treatment course per our vet. Our vet @ Madison WI advised a course of treatment 30 days straight versus the pulse treatment- as this is our second go round with our first little guys. Again, ask questions w/ your vet and let them know your concerns. I too went to a another vet ( a specialist vet in ringworm) and we now are doing better. Sounds cliche but Hang in there! Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and wash your paws. Ringworm does not multiply so keep cleaning ( knowing that gave me great hope) You got this. If you need any further info let me know. I am here for you!

First I am so sorry you have to go through! Take comfort in knowing you are not going @ this alone. I too am currently dealing with a kitten we adopted in July that has ringworm ( diagnosed in mid- August) and now our other kitty has the ringworm ( diagnosed this past Sunday) I'll be honest when the other one got it - I just broke down sobbing. Felt so defeated. Like nothing I was doing was helping. Here are a few things I learned along the way: Compounded Oral Treatment dos NOT work in my opinion. Get the FDA approved Intrafungol. Apparently the compounded does not absorb for efficiency to start working. Well, my poor little guy was on that and kept getting lesions as of last month along w/ aggressive environment cleaning and topical we were doing. Which is when I assume the other little guy got it the ringworm. I figured since he the 1st kitty had been on treatment for 3-4 weeks it was safe to play together. Oh, I was so wrong. I will say the Intrafungol has had no side effects only that it is working very well. I immediately put the other little guy on the same treatment course per our vet. Our vet @ Madison WI advised a course of treatment 30 days straight versus the pulse treatment- as this is our second go round with our first little guys. Again, ask questions w/ your vet and let them know your concerns. I too went to a another vet ( a specialist vet in ringworm) and we now are doing better. Sounds cliche but Hang in there! Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and wash your paws. Ringworm does not multiply so keep cleaning ( knowing that gave me great hope) You got this. If you need any further info let me know. I am here for you!

Thank you for replying and you support. I was literally just crying when I saw this. Stanley is on itrafungol. I found even more lesions today, it’s getting bad. It may be that I did not know to refrigerate the oral until I got a refill on Sunday, this time with the proper instructions on the bottle, so he’s only been getting a good batch three times. How soon till the lesions stop spreading? It’s on his jaw, his tummy, both ears inside and out, and his original spot on his shoulder. How crazy did you get with the cleaning? My husband says I’m going overboard, so I’m not getting much help and I have a bad back!

 

[Cheryl8000]

First I am so sorry you have to go through! Take comfort in knowing you are not going @ this alone. I too am currently dealing with a kitten we adopted in July that has ringworm ( diagnosed in mid- August) and now our other kitty has the ringworm ( diagnosed this past Sunday) I'll be honest when the other one got it - I just broke down sobbing. Felt so defeated. Like nothing I was doing was helping. Here are a few things I learned along the way: Compounded Oral Treatment dos NOT work in my opinion. Get the FDA approved Intrafungol. Apparently the compounded does not absorb for efficiency to start working. Well, my poor little guy was on that and kept getting lesions as of last month along w/ aggressive environment cleaning and topical we were doing. Which is when I assume the other little guy got it the ringworm. I figured since he the 1st kitty had been on treatment for 3-4 weeks it was safe to play together. Oh, I was so wrong. I will say the Intrafungol has had no side effects only that it is working very well. I immediately put the other little guy on the same treatment course per our vet. Our vet @ Madison WI advised a course of treatment 30 days straight versus the pulse treatment- as this is our second go round with our first little guys. Again, ask questions w/ your vet and let them know your concerns. I too went to a another vet ( a specialist vet in ringworm) and we now are doing better. Sounds cliche but Hang in there! Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and wash your paws. Ringworm does not multiply so keep cleaning ( knowing that gave me great hope) You got this. If you need any further info let me know. I am here for you!

Thanks for your reply and support. I was literally having a cry about it when I saw this. Every day I see a spread in his lesions. My kitty has been on itrafungal. The problem I hope was the first bottle was not refrigerated because I was not told to do so. I’m hoping that’s why it did not work to stop the spread. He has been on the new refrigerated bottle since Sunday. I made an appointment with a new vet for Friday, I’m praying things turn around.

 

[JTBanana]

Of course! From what I was told by the vet specialist is Ringworm is a slow growing fungus and slow resolving fungus. It takes time for the lesions to start and time for the lesions to heal. This could be why you are seeing new lesions pop up- until the treatment kicks in. ( 3-weeks?? I think they said..) We also did blood work on my 1st kitty to see if there was any underlying immune issues that could cause a delay in healing as this was his second go w/ ringworm and treatment.Very happy when that came back all okay. Mark that off worry list. His immune system is just not strong enough to fight it off right now- and adding he is long haired. I just gave up on trying to figure out the why's and just move forward to resolve. It will drive you mad.
I looked @ my Itrafungol ( by Elanco) Box and Bottle and mine does NOT say refrigerate?? But store @ 68-77F (20-25C). Even the compound we started w/ the pharmacist noted to NOT store in the refrigerator. Hmm...
Elwood's 1st kitty as I noted spread too and it is difficult to see- you feel like you are not doing enough and you cannot fix them. Plus they don't understand why-I get it. I clean a lot and I mean a lot. I was cutting back a bit as I thought we were seeing a light @ the end of the tunnel. But w/ now Bodhi the second kitty actively infected and shedding spores I am back to what aggressive cleaning. They are isolated in our living room- everything that cannot be wiped down, vacuumed, or washed has been tossed. I wipe down everything everyday, vacuum daily, litter box daily cleaning, wash sheets covering furniture every other day. I have separate clothes I wear and gloves to handle the kittens. The clothes and any that is washed from that room is sanitized. Yes, it is a lot of work but it makes me feel like I assisting in resolving the issue- takes some of the stress away. LOL on the back- me too! I got a freaking callous on my hand from the vacuum cleaner.