Expert: Jessica - 7/24/2009

Question
my maine coon kitten is 16 wks old and caught up on his shots, we purchased him from a reputable breeder of 24 years on 3 jul 09 and he is strictly an indoor cat. recently i noticed a small raised area near his neck to the right that appears to be whitish in color and flaking... on the back of his right ear there is a small area of fur missing and the same flaking is occurring...  i'm at a loss because i can't imagine it's ringworm when he's been dewormed in may and june..  he was born 3 apr 09.

Answer
Hi Lynne.  I'm very suspicious that this IS ringworm.  I'm not a vet, but what you describe does sound to me very much like the classic ringworm rash.  This rash is caused by a fungus in the tinea family.  A veterinarian can tell you if your kitten does, indeed, have a ringworm infection.  Some rashes are so classic in appearance that no further affirmation is necessary.  But if the vet isn’t convinced, certain strains of the fungus will glow a bright green color when held under a special fluorescent lamp called a Wood's Lamp.  If the infection cannot be confirmed this way, the vet can pull a few hairs along with skin flakes and send it off to the lab for a culture.  Though some show positive results sooner, it takes 10 days to be sure.  If your kitty does have ringworm, treatment may consist of a sulfur dip, a topical cream and potentially, oral antibiotics.    Since ringworm is actually a fungal infection closely related to Athlete’s foot, and not a parasitic worm, dewormers aren’t effective against the infection.

There could be other causes for his fur loss.  An allergic reaction, perhaps, to food, something his skin came in contact with, or something in his environment.  But I’d still lean toward ringworm based on your description.

Hope all goes well at the vet!

Jessica