The incubation period lasts from 2-3 days to 3 months. During this time the symptoms of the disease are not yet visible, but the animal is already dangerous to others.
How to find out that the cat has shingles
Lichen is the most common disease in cats and cats, contagious to humans, which may be asymptomatic. About what kinds of infections exist. RIA Novosti, 14.10.2021.
MOSCOW, Oct 8 – RIA Novosti. Lichen is the most common disease in cats and cats, which is contagious for humans and can be asymptomatic. The article of RIA Novosti discusses what kinds of infections there are, how to treat your adult and kitten and how to prevent shingles in the article Cat Shingles in Cats is one of the most frequent carriers of shingles. Usually you can determine the disease by the fact that the animal appears areas without fur with a changed skin color. And sometimes there are no external symptoms, but the disease is still there and can threaten human health.There are many myths, such as that shingles cannot be cured or vice versa – goes away on its own. According to experts, the disease is successfully overcome with the help of modern drugs. However, most types of infection do not disappear on their own and can worsen.About LichusLichus is a skin disease that is provoked by different types of fungi or other pathogens, such as allergens. It threatens not only external consequences – loss of pet hair, damaged claws and itching, but also internal – deterioration of health and disorders of organs.The infection is considered one of the most contagious and unpleasant mycosis diseases, is easily transmitted to humans and requires comprehensive treatment.Causes of occurrenceThe most common cause of leaching in pets is low immunity. If a cat is malnourished and poorly cared for, its body gradually loses its defenses and is exposed to external dangers. Even if an animal is indoor and never leaves the apartment, this does not mean that it is in any danger. Every day a person brings home millions of different microorganisms on shoes and clothes, and fungal shingles can be among them.Other causes of shingles include:TypesLichus is the common name for various forms of skin diseases. Despite the dissimilar symptoms and risks, all types of infection are united by the main factor – a strong discomfort of the animal, which negatively affects its skin.Types of lichus in cats: characteristicsDermatophytosis – the most dangerous and painful type of lichus, caused by fungi Microsporum and Trichophyton. The main food source of the microorganisms is keratin, which is found in the composition of the hair, claws and skin of the animal. The disease can appear very pronounced or asymptomatic and can be transmitted to others. The unobvious danger of this lich lies in the fact that microorganisms are resistant to the environment, they can live in furniture and tissues for several years, and on skin scales – from 6 to 10 years.If the problem is ignored, it can lead to alopecia of the animal, deterioration of life quality, and in kittens even to fatal outcome due to very weak immunity.Pityrosporum or multicolorLichain is caused by the yeast fungus Pityrosporum. The disease is often detected in the summer and humid seasons, which is why it is called "beach fever". 90% of animals and humans on the planet are considered carriers of this microorganism, and only under certain conditions (such as a severe decrease in immunity) does it become a problem. In cats it is caused by an increased oiliness of the skin due to improper nutrition or lack of vitamins.Pink or Gibert's Lichen This type can have both a viral nature (it is not yet fully understood what kind), and allergic – this, in the first place, is inclined to veterinarians. The trigger mechanism for the development of pink fever is a reduced immunity. The disease can be inherited and run up to a certain point in a latent form. Giber disease is contagious for animals, but not for people.Mucous (eczema)Mucous lichen (eczema) is the least similar to its "relatives". It is an inflammatory pathology that is caused by allergies. It is not transmitted to other animals and people, but gives considerable discomfort to its carrier. Detergents, household chemicals, stress and hormonal imbalance are the most common causes of this disease.What to do if you suspect shinglesDetermine the type of cat lich with a single examination is impossible. If any manifestations of the disease are noticeable, it is necessary to follow general measures before diagnosis and treatment: Then it is important to go to the doctor to determine the type of disease and help the animal to cope with it.DiagnosisThe main key to successful treatment of any form of lich – early diagnosis.According to Marina Dubovikova, veterinarian and teacher of Pashkovsky Agricultural College, diagnosis consists of a number of studies and the study of the clinical picture:Treatment of lich in catsThe treatment procedure depends directly on the cause of erection If in one case the change of food will help, in another case a comprehensive approach may be required – pills, ointments, a complete change in diet and lifestyle of the pet. However, any medication has side effects – before you start taking any medication, you need to consult a veterinarian.If you take the treatment of the animal not seriously, you can expect the following consequences:RingwormTopically, after preliminary preparation for treatment, you can start applying ointments: "Clotrimazole", "Sanoderm" or "Miconazole".The comprehensive treatment of ringworm includes improving the diet of the animal. The diet should include additional minerals and vitamins that support the immune system. A sanitization of the room is also necessary.Peptic or variegatedSpongeous lichen needs almost the same type of treatment as ringworm: the use of anti-fungal shampoos, ointments and pills. Effective oral medications doctors include "Imaverol" and "Lime Sulfur".After the completion of treatment, it is recommended to wash the pet once every two months with an antifungal shampoo to prevent a relapse.Pink or Gibera lichAlthough pink lich and disappears by itself without human intervention, however, some measures must be observed:It is important to remember that Gibera lich can be a manifestation of another more serious disease. Therefore, the pet should undergo a complete diagnosis to exclude pathology and not waste time fighting with harmless symptoms.SoakingThis, like its other forms, has a protracted nature and requires a careful approach to treatment. Since the disease is characterized by a "wet" texture, the first thing to do is to use drying and anti-inflammatory local preparations, such as salicylic, sulfuric or tar ointment. They work both as antiseptics and as skin-repairing medications.Mucous eczema thanks to such means can be defeated in 10 days.When to go to the vetAccording to Marina Dubovikova, after the appearance of even a small area of lesion on the body and general malaise of the pet it is necessary to contact the veterinarian:Folk methods of treatment of lich in catsThere are cases when treatment with aggressive drugs is not allowed, for example, when the cat is pregnant. Not yet born kittens are too susceptible to external influences, so the owners have nothing to do but resort to folk and safe methods of treatment of herpes:This treatment is also indispensable in cases where there is no possibility to visit a veterinarian, and the disease must be stopped. However, before deciding on the approach, it is worth consulting a specialist at least by phone. It is important to remember – such methods can help only in the early stages of the disease.How to treat a pregnant cat or kittensTreatment of pregnant cats and kittens lies in a more gentle approach. For example, phytotherapy has a gentle effect on the body of the animal and at the same time is able to effectively combat the disease at the stage of its conception.Do not forget that the treatment also includes measures to disinfect the room where the pet lives. The less bacteria and fungi are on the furniture, the higher the chance that the pet will recover faster and will not be exposed to reinfection.Is cat tetter dangerous for humansThe only threat to humans is the tetter that is provoked by fungi – ringworm and pity. In addition to the fact that the infectious disease spreads quite quickly, it can also bring a lot of trouble:If untreated, the disease can "flourish" for several years, aggravating the condition of the infected, which will inevitably affect the appearance (baldness, changes in the skin, constant weakness and discomfort).PreventionAnd to further reduce the risks of the animal disease, the owners are recommended:Also the doctor added that if you have decided to take a puppy or kitten from the street, it is important to try to
How a cat gets shingles
Spores remain viable in the unfavorable conditions of the natural environment for about two years. The fungus gets on the pet's fur from the fur of other cats, or from an area where the pet frequents. Spores can settle on furniture and any area of the apartment. The fungus is viable for about two years, but once it gets into a warm, humid environment, it wakes up and becomes infected.
The disease may not manifest itself at first, but after 2-3 months the first signs will become noticeable. Kittens become ill more often due to underdeveloped immune system, weakened elderly cats infected with parasites, or those that don't eat enough food. Thus, the disease wanders from animal to animal indefinitely, unless a person intervenes and treats the pet or its immune system, breaking the chain.
Genetic weakness of immunity to fungal diseases plays a role, especially exotic breeds are vulnerable.
Can a person catch ringworm from a cat
It is not difficult for ringworm spores to get on a person's bare skin, which is not protected by a woolly coat, unlike animals. The infection gets to humans from an infected cat even during the incubation period by touching the fur. Thus, it is important to understand that an animal that has caught shingles becomes a carrier of the disease even at the earliest stage.
Immunity plays a major role: children and the elderly are more susceptible to fungal spores. Treatment is long, even the mild form with ineffective treatment develops into a chronic form, which is sure to affect health.
Types of cat lich
There are several types of the disease, each of which differs not only in external signs, but also requires different treatment.
- Ringworm shingles. It is also often called feline lice. The disease is contagious not only for other animals, but also for humans. This type is dangerous for the animal, as it can cause complete loss of vision, and eventually lead to death. Ringworm in cats is manifested by bare islands of skin, on which, over time, pus appears. The skin becomes scaly and flaky.
- Pink shingles. When this subspecies of the disease affects the body, pink spots appear on the animal's skin (where the name comes from). The size of the affected skin varies from 1.5 to 2 cm. Pink lichen in cats is manifested by itching and peeling of the affected area. The hair does not fall out as profusely as with the previous type of disease. The duration of the development of symptoms will depend on the immunity of the cat, but generally the disease lasts 2-6 months. A complete diet will ensure a quick recovery for the pet.
- Moist Lichen. . The first thing the owner of the pet will notice is redness of the skin and the appearance of blisters on the affected part of the body. The constant intense itching will cause the cat to start scratching. At the same time, the blisters will begin to burst and fluid will flow out of them, and the skin will be covered with purulent scales. Mucous membrane in cats is microbial in nature. It is not contagious to animals or humans.
- Pusiform Lichen. The lesion begins with a small yellow spot on the skin. Over time, the spots become larger, they merge into one and form a lesion. The disease occurs in hot countries and is contagious to all others.
- Red Lichen . Affects not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Flat blisters with a smooth surface are a characteristic sign. When the cat starts scratching the affected part of the body, the blisters will burst and cause intense itching. It is not transmissible to animals or humans.
Etiology
Cats' natural defenses against disease (immune system) are very high. Certain living conditions (low activity, artificial feed, inbreeding), especially in urban animals, reduce the natural defense against pathogens. Infection usually affects cats with poor nutrition or those less than 12 months old.
The mechanism of infection is simple – cats become infected by contact with a sick animal. Also infection occurs through sharing a bowl of food or water, combs, bedding. The causes are the same for all types of the disease – it is a trichophytosis microorganism, whose spores can retain viability for up to two years and if they get into a humid and warm environment begin to develop.
Prevention
To prevent the disease, simple recommendations should be followed:
- Avoid allowing the pet to interact with stray animals.
- Carry out daily cleaning in the apartment using various disinfectants.
- Always treat the cat for all parasites.
- Regular visits to the veterinarian and vaccinations.
How to protect yourself and your family
A pet suffering from shingles must be treated immediately. You should also take all possible measures to avoid infecting people:
- Bedding and clothing should be washed frequently and treated with a hot iron.
- In the room, all surfaces should be cleaned daily using disinfectants.
- The cat bed and other care items should be washed regularly in hot water.
- The room should be ventilated frequently.
- Disposable gloves should be used when handling affected skin areas in animals and humans.
It's very easy to avoid catching herpes – remember to vaccinate your pet and follow the rules of hygiene. If a cat does get sick, it is important to start treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear. This is the only way to quickly get rid of the infection and protect others from possible infection.
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