Treatment of Ringworm in Shelter Cats

Newbury S, Moriello KA, Kwochka KW et al: Use of itraconazole and either lime sulphur or Malaseb Concentrate Rinse® to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis: an open field trial, Vet Dermatol 22:75, 2011. 

Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is an important skin disease in cats because it is highly contagious and has a zoonotic potential. This disease can be a problem in shelters, especially because of the effect on the most adoptable population in an animal shelter: kittens and young cats. The authors performed an open, non-randomized study of 90 cats with severe dermatophytosis. The cats were treated with 21 days of oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg and one of three topical antifungal rinses applied twice weekly: lime sulphur (LSO); reformulated lime sulphur with an odor-masking agent (LSR); or a 0.2% miconazole nitrate and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate rinse (MC). Weekly examinations were performed along with monitoring of fungal cultures for response to therapy. The cats were not prevented from licking the rinse solutions and none developed oral ulcerations. The study concluded that LSO, LSR, and MC are options for adjunct topical antifungal therapy. LSO was found to result in a significantly shorter number of treatment days than MC or LSR. When a shelter has limited facilities and room for treatment of cats, LSO may be the best option for topical treatment.  [VT]

Related articles:
Diesel A, Verbrugge M, Moriello KA: Efficacy of eight commercial formulations of lime sulphur on in vitro growth inhibition of Microsporum canis, Vet Dermatol 22:197, 2011.

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Newbury S, Moriello KA, Kwochka KW et al: Use of itraconazole and either lime sulphur or Malaseb Concentrate Rinse® to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis: an open field trial, Vet Dermatol 22:75, 2011. 

Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is an important skin disease in cats because it is highly contagious and has a zoonotic potential. This disease can be a problem in shelters, especially because of the effect on the most adoptable population in an animal shelter: kittens and young cats. The authors performed an open, non-randomized study of 90 cats with severe dermatophytosis. The cats were treated with 21 days of oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg and one of three topical antifungal rinses applied twice weekly: lime sulphur (LSO); reformulated lime sulphur with an odor-masking agent (LSR); or a 0.2% miconazole nitrate and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate rinse (MC). Weekly examinations were performed along with monitoring of fungal cultures for response to therapy. The cats were not prevented from licking the rinse solutions and none developed oral ulcerations. The study concluded that LSO, LSR, and MC are options for adjunct topical antifungal therapy. LSO was found to result in a significantly shorter number of treatment days than MC or LSR. When a shelter has limited facilities and room for treatment of cats, LSO may be the best option for topical treatment.  [VT]

Related articles:
Diesel A, Verbrugge M, Moriello KA: Efficacy of eight commercial formulations of lime sulphur on in vitro growth inhibition of Microsporum canis, Vet Dermatol 22:197, 2011.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Ringworm in a Cat Shelter

Carlotti, D.N., et al., Eradication of feline dermatophytosis in a shelter: a field study. Vet Dermatol, 2009. 21(3): p. 259-266.

Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin infection affecting many animals, as well as humans. In otherwise healthy cats, it is self-curing, resolving in several months. Treatment, however, shortens the course and prevents spread, including to humans. This is particularly important in a shelter situation where infection can impede adoptions, and is a risk for staff and visitors. This report describes a successful eradication of fungal infection from a shelter in the UK. The authors used a three-area method in the existing facility. One area was used to isolate cats with lesions and positive skin culture; cats with no lesions, but positive by fungal culture were placed in a separate area; and healthy, fungus-free cats were kept in a third area. Cats in the first two groups were treated topically (enilconazole) and systemically (itraconazole). In addition, the environments were sampled every three weeks using a dust-catching cloth. Sequential use of detergent (cleaning) and 1% sodium hypochlorite (disinfection) were used on premises and materials. Cats were not moved into group C (fungal-free) until two negative culture results (done every two weeks). The protocol described did have a significant cost but proved successful in eradicating fungal infections from the shelter housing approximately 140 cats. In addition, by isolating incoming animals initially and assessing for infection, maintenance of fungal-free population was possible. [MK]

Related articles:
Newbury, S., et al., Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial. Vet Dermatol, 2007. 18(5): p. 324-31.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
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Carlotti, D.N., et al., Eradication of feline dermatophytosis in a shelter: a field study. Vet Dermatol, 2009. 21(3): p. 259-266.

Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin infection affecting many animals, as well as humans. In otherwise healthy cats, it is self-curing, resolving in several months. Treatment, however, shortens the course and prevents spread, including to humans. This is particularly important in a shelter situation where infection can impede adoptions, and is a risk for staff and visitors. This report describes a successful eradication of fungal infection from a shelter in the UK. The authors used a three-area method in the existing facility. One area was used to isolate cats with lesions and positive skin culture; cats with no lesions, but positive by fungal culture were placed in a separate area; and healthy, fungus-free cats were kept in a third area. Cats in the first two groups were treated topically (enilconazole) and systemically (itraconazole). In addition, the environments were sampled every three weeks using a dust-catching cloth. Sequential use of detergent (cleaning) and 1% sodium hypochlorite (disinfection) were used on premises and materials. Cats were not moved into group C (fungal-free) until two negative culture results (done every two weeks). The protocol described did have a significant cost but proved successful in eradicating fungal infections from the shelter housing approximately 140 cats. In addition, by isolating incoming animals initially and assessing for infection, maintenance of fungal-free population was possible. [MK]

Related articles:
Newbury, S., et al., Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial. Vet Dermatol, 2007. 18(5): p. 324-31.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Treatment of Ringworm in Cats

Mancianti, F., S. Dabizzi, et al. (2009). "A lufenuron pre-treatment may enhance the effects of enilconazole or griseofulvin in feline dermatophytosis?" Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 91-95.

In this study performed at the University of Pisa, Italy, the effect of pre-treatment with lufenuron on the effectiveness of enilconazole or griseofulvin for the treatment of feline ringworm was studied. Ringworm in cats is most commonly caused by the fungal agent, Microsoporum canis. A variety of treatment options have been recommended over the years, including both topical and systemic drugs. Lufenuron is a drug that interferes with chitin synthesis and is most commonly used to prevent flea infestations. It has also been proposed as an alternative treatment for ringworm, but with highly variable results when used as a sole agent. Lufenuron was given at 100 mg/kg biweekly for 8 weeks to 38 M. canis infected cats. Group A cats (13) were only treated with lufenuron. In Group B, 11 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with four weekly rinses of enilconazole (0.2% solution). In Group C, 14 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with oral griseofulvin at 50 mg/kg twice daily for 40 days. Twelve cats were used as controls in that they were given griseofulvin (7 cats) or enilconazole (5 cats), but not lufenuron. All cats except one given lufenuron alone were still infected at day 60. The authors conclude that lufenuron alone was found to be ineffective, but may have an immunomodulatory effect as a pre-treatment combined with other drugs. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Nuttall, T. J., A. J. German, et al. (2008). "Successful resolution of dermatophyte mycetoma following terbinafine treatment in two cats." Veterinary Dermatology 19(6): 405-410.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sharma, R., S. de Hoog, et al. (2007). "A virulent genotype of Microsporum canis is responsible for the majority of human infections." J Med Microbiol 56(10): 1377-85.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Mancianti, F., S. Dabizzi, et al. (2009). "A lufenuron pre-treatment may enhance the effects of enilconazole or griseofulvin in feline dermatophytosis?" Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 91-95.

In this study performed at the University of Pisa, Italy, the effect of pre-treatment with lufenuron on the effectiveness of enilconazole or griseofulvin for the treatment of feline ringworm was studied. Ringworm in cats is most commonly caused by the fungal agent, Microsoporum canis. A variety of treatment options have been recommended over the years, including both topical and systemic drugs. Lufenuron is a drug that interferes with chitin synthesis and is most commonly used to prevent flea infestations. It has also been proposed as an alternative treatment for ringworm, but with highly variable results when used as a sole agent. Lufenuron was given at 100 mg/kg biweekly for 8 weeks to 38 M. canis infected cats. Group A cats (13) were only treated with lufenuron. In Group B, 11 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with four weekly rinses of enilconazole (0.2% solution). In Group C, 14 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with oral griseofulvin at 50 mg/kg twice daily for 40 days. Twelve cats were used as controls in that they were given griseofulvin (7 cats) or enilconazole (5 cats), but not lufenuron. All cats except one given lufenuron alone were still infected at day 60. The authors conclude that lufenuron alone was found to be ineffective, but may have an immunomodulatory effect as a pre-treatment combined with other drugs. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Nuttall, T. J., A. J. German, et al. (2008). "Successful resolution of dermatophyte mycetoma following terbinafine treatment in two cats." Veterinary Dermatology 19(6): 405-410.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sharma, R., S. de Hoog, et al. (2007). "A virulent genotype of Microsporum canis is responsible for the majority of human infections." J Med Microbiol 56(10): 1377-85.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Terbinafine for Feline Ringworm

Foust, A. L., R. Marsella, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of persistence of terbinafine in the hair of normal cats after 14 days of daily therapy." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 246-51.

Microsoporum canis is the dermatophyte most commonly associated with ringworm in cats. Several drugs have been used for treatment of M. canis in cats, including itraconazole, griseofulvin, and terbinafine. Terbinafine (Lamisil, Novartis) is of interest because in other species, it shows good penetration into affected tissues, efficacy with short durations of treatment, and is well tolerated. Few studies have been conducted on the use of terbinafine in cats. In this study, the residual concentration of terbinafine in cat hair was determined after 14 days of oral treatment. Ten normal cats were administered terbinafine at a daily dose of 34-45 mg/kg for 14 days. Hair samples were analyzed at day 0, and weekly for 8 weeks after the last dose of terbinafine. With a 99% confidence interval, the concentration of terbinafine remained above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 5 weeks. Four cats experienced vomiting during treatment, and two of these cats experienced intense facial pruritus 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment. The researchers concluded that terbinafine persists in cat hair at concentrations above the MIC for several weeks after the end of therapy, even when treated for only 14 days. Pulse therapy using terbinafine is worth further investigation for the treatment of feline ringworm.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Mancianti, F., F. Pedonese, et al. (1999). "Efficacy of oral terbinafine in feline dermatophytosis due to Microsporum canis." J Fel Med Surg 1(1): 37.
>> PubMed abstract

Kotnik, T. (2002). "Drug efficacy of terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil) during oral treatment of cats, experimentally infected with Microsporum canis." J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health 49(3): 120-122.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Foust, A. L., R. Marsella, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of persistence of terbinafine in the hair of normal cats after 14 days of daily therapy." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 246-51.

Microsoporum canis is the dermatophyte most commonly associated with ringworm in cats. Several drugs have been used for treatment of M. canis in cats, including itraconazole, griseofulvin, and terbinafine. Terbinafine (Lamisil, Novartis) is of interest because in other species, it shows good penetration into affected tissues, efficacy with short durations of treatment, and is well tolerated. Few studies have been conducted on the use of terbinafine in cats. In this study, the residual concentration of terbinafine in cat hair was determined after 14 days of oral treatment. Ten normal cats were administered terbinafine at a daily dose of 34-45 mg/kg for 14 days. Hair samples were analyzed at day 0, and weekly for 8 weeks after the last dose of terbinafine. With a 99% confidence interval, the concentration of terbinafine remained above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 5 weeks. Four cats experienced vomiting during treatment, and two of these cats experienced intense facial pruritus 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment. The researchers concluded that terbinafine persists in cat hair at concentrations above the MIC for several weeks after the end of therapy, even when treated for only 14 days. Pulse therapy using terbinafine is worth further investigation for the treatment of feline ringworm.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Mancianti, F., F. Pedonese, et al. (1999). "Efficacy of oral terbinafine in feline dermatophytosis due to Microsporum canis." J Fel Med Surg 1(1): 37.
>> PubMed abstract

Kotnik, T. (2002). "Drug efficacy of terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil) during oral treatment of cats, experimentally infected with Microsporum canis." J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health 49(3): 120-122.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Treatment of Ringworm in Shelter Cats

Newbury, S., K. Moriello, et al. (2007). "Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial." Vet Dermatol 18(5): 324-31.

Dermatophytosis is the most common contagious skin disease of cats. It is often a concern in shelter situations since it is zoonotic and highly contagious. It is important to find an effective and rapid treatment protocol for cats with ringworm in shelters to expedite cure and adoption. This open clinical trial in a shelter enrolled 58 cats with confirmed Microsporum canis infection and 32 uninfected bonded pairs. The cats were treated with 21 days of oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg and twice weekly lime sulphur rinses until cured. No hair coat clipping was performed. Fungal cultures were performed once weekly on all cats. Cats were considered cured with two consecutive negative cultures. No cats developed oral ulcerations as a result of grooming after lime sulphur treatment. No uninfected cats living in contact with infected cats developed dermatophytosis. The mean number of days of treatment required for cure was 18.4 (range 10-49 days). In this shelter, a combination of oral itraconazole and topical lime sulphur treatment was effective and safe.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Moriello, K. A. and M. Verbrugge (2007). "Use of isolated infected spores to determine the sporocidal efficacy of two commercial antifungal rinses against Microsporum canis." Vet Dermatol 18(1): 55-8.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Newbury, S., K. Moriello, et al. (2007). "Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial." Vet Dermatol 18(5): 324-31.

Dermatophytosis is the most common contagious skin disease of cats. It is often a concern in shelter situations since it is zoonotic and highly contagious. It is important to find an effective and rapid treatment protocol for cats with ringworm in shelters to expedite cure and adoption. This open clinical trial in a shelter enrolled 58 cats with confirmed Microsporum canis infection and 32 uninfected bonded pairs. The cats were treated with 21 days of oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg and twice weekly lime sulphur rinses until cured. No hair coat clipping was performed. Fungal cultures were performed once weekly on all cats. Cats were considered cured with two consecutive negative cultures. No cats developed oral ulcerations as a result of grooming after lime sulphur treatment. No uninfected cats living in contact with infected cats developed dermatophytosis. The mean number of days of treatment required for cure was 18.4 (range 10-49 days). In this shelter, a combination of oral itraconazole and topical lime sulphur treatment was effective and safe.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Moriello, K. A. and M. Verbrugge (2007). "Use of isolated infected spores to determine the sporocidal efficacy of two commercial antifungal rinses against Microsporum canis." Vet Dermatol 18(1): 55-8.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More