Why does my cat's ringworm still glow under UV after treatment?

Hi and thank you for using PetCoach. If the fungal infection is ringworm, it can take weeks to months to fully resolve. Many times treating the environment as well as the cat is needed. Keep Mia indoors may make it easier to contain the infection and prevent reinfection. The vet can look at hairs under the microscope or try to culture the fungus from Mia to assess if she still has it. Here is more information on Ringworm that may help. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=559

I hate to hear that Boo has ringworm. The main problem with spreading is due to the spores of the fungus found in the environment. The spores are attached to pieces of shedding hair and can be active in the environment for months in ideal conditions. Environmental clean up is a must to control this fungus. As far as Boo himself goes, the topical treatments will help to remove the contagious spores faster and the oral medications will help to kill the fungus faster which will result in less spores. Unfortunately, Boo is considered contagious until he has two negative cultures done 1 week apart. Most cats will be start re-testing for ringworm 2-4 weeks after initial diagnosis. Here is a very helpful link about ringworm including environmental clean up: https://www.petcoach.co/article/ringworm-in-cats/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Cats with ringworm can remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment it used, which it sounds like you are doing. I would keep them isolated for at least another week. Keep in mind you will have to disinfect the environment as well because ringworm spores can live in it up to 18 months. I will link a website that details how to do this: http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

While it may clear up in a week or so, it’s not uncommon to be a bit of a longer battle for some, and sometimes difficult to clear. I would recommend that you take her back to the vet to have them re-evaluate. Medicated baths and/or oral medication may be helpful. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello. Yes, sometimes ringworm can be stubborn. If your cat has numerous lesions, or they are along the eyes and mouth, your cat should be on an oral antifungal medication. Also, cats will often lick the medication off as soon as you apply it, so it is not effective. If you are not using an Elizabethan collar, that could help prevent licking. Cases that do not respond to topical treatment often do better with a prescription oral antifungal. I would also make sure that it is actually ringworm. It may need to be rechecked by your veterinarian. Thank you

Poor kitty. Treatment for ringworm can certainly damage their relationship with their owners. Try to spend some time with her playing that doesn't involve treatments and medications to help your bond. There is not usually much of the fungus left after 4 lime dips, so I usually re-evaluate my patients at that time. After 4 weeks of treatment I would have Sierra re-examined by your vet to see if she is still infective. By this time she shouldn't be losing any more hair and you might even see some regrowth in her areas of hair loss.

I've found that if you wash your hands after handling Sierra and do not have any open wounds it is uncommon to catch this from her. Since you've treated her and are giving the medicated baths she should be even less likely to spread Ringworm. Follow your veterinarian's advice on treatment but if she's been treated now for two weeks or more she should be safe to handle. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sierra.