Lichen in cats develops when affected by a dermatophyte fungus. Pets can become infected by contact with infected fellow tribesmen, and rodents can also carry the disease. To recognize a disease and cure a pet, you need to know its main symptoms.
Lichen is a fungal disease in which the skin of the animal is affected, sometimes the pathology affects the claws. The incubation period for lichen is 7-90 days, fungal spores remain viable in the environment for a long time, do not die under the influence of disinfectants.
Lichen in cats can be dangerous to humans.
How does shingles manifest:
- the cat is worried about itching, especially often it scratches its ears, muzzle;
- the coat begins to fall out in lumps, which looks like a strong shedding;
- small bare areas of the skin appear, which increase as the disease progresses;
- bald areas are bright pink in color, the skin is wrinkled;
- a crust forms on bare areas, which consists of small scales;
- the cat’s appetite worsens, the animal loses weight, moves a little, sleeps almost all the time;
- when the claw fungus is affected, their deformation begins, they grow incorrectly.
Depriving a pet may indicate improper care, unbalanced nutrition, and weak immunity of the animal. Long-haired cats are more susceptible to the disease.
When the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to show the animal to the veterinarian. For diagnostics, a Wood lamp is used, which emits ultraviolet rays. The areas affected by the fungus have a bright green color in this light. To confirm the diagnosis, scraping is done from the skin.
The choice of drugs depends on the severity of the disease, the size of the affected areas, and the state of the animal’s immunity.
The main types of drugs:
- Vaccines – “Microderm”, “Polivac”. They help to eliminate the disease in the early stages. It will take 2-3 injections with an interval of 2 weeks.
- External means – “Fungin”, “Sanoderm”. They contain active antifungal components, eliminate the causative agent of the disease. The product must be applied 1-2 times a day. The duration of therapy is 2-4 weeks, all this time the animal should not be bathed.
- Antibiotics and antifungal drugs for oral use – “Griseofulvin”, “Ketoconazole”. Used for the treatment of lichen, with lesions of the claws, often prescribed to cats with long hair. The dose of the drug is calculated taking into account the weight of the animal; special care should be taken during the pregnancy of the pet.
During treatment, it is necessary to minimize contact with an infected animal, wash hands more often, and vacuum all rooms.
Pink lichen in cats is a fungal disease that can be transmitted to humans. Only a veterinarian can correctly diagnose, select drugs and a treatment regimen, since many drugs have strong side effects.
Also good to know: a cat doesn’t eat anything.