Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/19/2010

Question
Is ringworm something you know about?  I have two young cats (about 4 months old).  One had a small ringworm spot on his nose.  Medicine got rid of it.  Now (6 weeks later) the other has 2 spots.  It seems like in 6 weeks, the other will have a new spot.  Can this cycle only stop by keeping them apart for about 12 weeks?  Thanks!


Answer
Ringworm is a fungus of the skin.  These fungi make spores (seeds) which can re-infect the kittens.  SO a good clean-up of their environment is needed.  They can also be put on an oral medication called fluconazole for several weeks which will treat the skin lesions and help prevent re-infection.