Many people keep different pets at home, but the vast majority prefer cats. They do not need to be taken out at least twice a day in any weather “before the wind”, they purr very tasty and play with pleasure even in adulthood. And the appearance of cats touches and soothe disheveled nerves. People begin to love them almost like family members and are very upset when the animals get sick. Therefore, it is worth “knowing the enemy by sight”, being able to identify at least the most common and dangerous diseases. And among such useful skills - an idea of ​​what lichen looks like in a cat.
What is lichen
First of all, you should know that it is very contagious. The nature of this disease is fungal, and the spores of these fungi are remarkably resistant to heat and the effect of disinfectants. This allows disputes to be stored for a long time around: on the ground, bedding, in pet toys, on a wooden floor or furniture. And if you don’t have an idea what a cat ’s lichen looks like and run it, the consequences will turn out to be sad. Mostly mice and rats carry it, like most other infections, and unsanitary conditions contribute to the development of the disease. That is why homeless cats suffer from this disease more often, since healthy pets have strong immunity and successfully resist infection.
Lichen manifestations
What does lichen look like in a cat is easy to remember. Most often, it begins with heavy rashes, a small rash in the early stages grows very quickly, and soon the wounds become covered with a crust like a scab. At this point, the wool falls out, round bald spots are obtained. Often in the center of bald spots on the skin flakes form, watery vesicles or small abscesses appear. Many cat owners, who know what lichen looks like in a cat, consider combing the affected areas mandatory, but this is not an indispensable condition - itching may also be absent.
Localization of symptoms
The most common ringworm stains are ears, head and tail. Sometimes strips of peeling skin stretch across the entire face. There is a defeat of the entire carcass of the cat, the skin is exfoliated and becomes greasy to the touch.
The consequences of treatment
The most difficult of them is the danger of contracting ringworm of all family members, neighbors and guests. For a cat, in addition to the risk of complete baldness, there is a chance of becoming ill with something else, having received an infection through scratching the skin. If the lichen affects the ears, the animal may become deaf, if the claws - this part of the body that is absolutely necessary for all cats is deformed, will grow incorrectly, and the cat will not be able to use them. Lichen in cats (the photos in this article show only particular cases, more can be seen in the veterinary encyclopedia) and looks disgusting, and life unfortunate Murka greatly complicates.
How to save Murka
First of all, quarantine and sterilization of the entire space are necessary. To be honest, how to remove lichen in a cat, only a veterinarian will say for sure. Treatment should combine both antifungal drugs and a complex of vitamins aimed at maintaining immunity; in some cases, prescribe drugs to reduce itching, and sometimes something will be needed to heal if the cat has time to tear itself too deep. In addition, only laboratory tests can guarantee a successful cure and the absence of reinfestation.
When treating a cat, it is important to carefully monitor the hygiene of a person so that he does not have to heal himself later when the cat is healthy.
And in order not to risk the health of his four-legged friend, he should be vaccinated once a year. They say that the vaccine provides a full guarantee that you will not see what your cat’s lichen looks like in your pet’s skin.