Trichophytosis is a fairly common disease among street dogs. But it can also occur in pets, the state 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. In the people it is better known as ringworm.
Fungi that provoke the onset of the ailment are characterized by a high level of resistance to temperature extremes and disinfectants, and are also able to survive for a long time in environmental conditions: on wooden objects, litter 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 ailment was discovered too late and is already in an advanced stage.
Causes of the 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 a very reduced immunity;
- the pet has recently suffered severe stress;
- the dog has long been infected with parasites: lice or worms;
- the animal lacks proper nutrition.
The body of such dogs cannot resist the development of the fungus, as it is in a very weak state. It is their disease that affects in the first place.
Symptoms of the 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 suspect that the pet has a disease, since there are no bright 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 with time it grows and turns red. In the same period, hair loss occurs in the animal, since the fungus grows in the epidermis. The most affected by microorganisms are the head, ears, lower legs and base of the tail. In the absence of the necessary treatment, the infection passes to the rest of the body.
As a rule, the spots on the skin of the dog are very itchy and flaky. After some more time, a crust forms on them. At this point, it is important to pay attention to the health of the pet and begin timely treatment. Otherwise, the formation of pus will begin under the crust, and it will be much more difficult to cope with the problem. This condition is called "running trichophytosis in a dog." What to do in this case? Contact your veterinarian immediately to help you find the right medication.
Preparation for treatment
What to do if a fungus (trichophytosis) has been detected in dogs? Treatment primarily involves following some simple rules:
- Isolate the pet from other animals and children.
- During treatment, 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.
- All other objects that the dog comes into contact with during the day are subject to disinfection.
Drug treatment
We remember that trichophytosis in dogs is a fungal infectious disease. 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";
- "Juglon";
- "Zoomikol";
- "Nitrofungil;
- Betadine (solution).
The price of each of the above funds is quite low, but they are all very effective in combating fungus.
Before using any of the external funds, some preparation is necessary. In the damaged area, carefully remove the remaining coat, rinse the skin with water and treat with iodine. Then 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.
In addition, it is important to ensure that the dog does not lick the product after application. Alternatively, you can bandage the affected area.
Together with antifungal agents, the veterinarian can prescribe immunomodulating drugs, nutritional supplements and vitamins to the pet.
How to treat lichen in the 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 lichen in the home? You can get rid of the problem with the help of 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 also be cured with garlic. To do this, clean one of its cloves and lubricate with lichen juice. Next, a mixture of birch charcoal and plantain juice (1: 1) should be applied to the affected area. In the absence of the latter, you can limit yourself to only garlic.
Disease prevention
Such troubles as trichophytosis in dogs can be avoided. This will require some simple preventative measures:
- spend in the house where the pet lives, daily wet cleaning. Use disinfectants;
- wash the paws of the animal after each walk and bathe it as necessary;
- remember that the disease is transmitted by contact, and avoid stray dogs;
- timely rid the pet of parasites;
- the dog must live in appropriate hygiene conditions;
- provide proper and proper nutrition to your pet.
Special attention should be paid to a special anti-infectious 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 Wackderm. They show the greatest efficiency in combination with Buksin.
Vaccination is carried out in two stages, during which one vaccine is given. The interval between them is within ten days.
It is worth considering that after vaccination the condition of the dog can noticeably worsen. No need to be afraid of this process, since it is a completely normal phenomenon and soon the animal returns to its former life, but with increased immunity.