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Dermatophytosis in Cats

A fungal skin infection causing circular hair loss and dandruff. A zoonotic disease (transmissible to humans) that spreads easily in multi-cat environments.

Vet Supervised

Symptoms

  • Circular hair loss
  • Dandruff/scabs
  • Skin redness
  • Nail deformity
  • Mild itching

Causes

  • Microsporum canis (most common causative fungus)
  • Contact with infected cats
  • Contaminated environment

Diagnosis

1

Wood's lamp examination

2

Fungal culture

3

Skin scraping

4

PCR testing

Treatment

  • Antifungal medication (itraconazole)
  • Medicated baths
  • Thorough environmental decontamination

Prognosis

Cures in 4-8 weeks with proper treatment, but recurs if environmental decontamination is incomplete.

Severity: Medium

Prevention

  • Test new cats
  • Maintain clean environment
  • Support immune health

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