Persian cat's fungus won't go away. Is long-term medication safe?

Generally speaking yes you can do it but that would depend on the severity of the ringworm infection (a picture of the lesions would help to better assess its severity). In some cases only the ointment is effective and enough to sort out the infection. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do from home, especially if medications aren't helping. I would seek out another exam in person and have the vet take a scraping of the fungal site to send to a lab for testing. This can help determine what exactly it is and the best medication to put on it to help. Medicated shampoos and oral medications can also be helpful and may need a few courses to fully resolve the issue. I would definitely keep the affected area cleaned and trimmed/clipped so you can monitor spread and more easily get medications on the affected area. Since that spot in the photo also looks like it may be infected with bacteria (abscessed) in addition, oral antibiotics from your vet is probably another good idea. Until you can get to the vet (which I recommend doing ASAP), keeping the area clean and dry, and keeping Zuzu from scratching at or rubbing it with an Elizabethan (cone) collar (if it doesn't rub on the spot) is best. Since fungal infections can be spread to other pets and people, washing hands, bedding, clothing, etc is also a good idea to reduce spread.

This can take several weeks to months as the skin and coat need to heal after the fungal infection is resolved. We cannot prescribe medication but you can bathe her in a cat labeled iodine or fungal shampoo twice weekly. Cats are very sensitive to medication so do not use anything on your kitten unless it is specifically labeled as safe for kittens. Check at you pet store and they should be able to help you find a safe shampoo for Misty. I recommend cleaning the bedding also and washing your hands after playing with Misty. Usually as the kitten grows up they have better immunity and they will start to heal the skin on their own too. If after bathing the fungal infection isn't improved then take her to your local veterinarian for treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Misty.

I'm glad that Minou is safe after the scare with her liver! To treat ringworm, I will often use a special solution called a lime sulfur dip. The cats need to be fully immersed ion the liquid twice a week for 4-6 weeks. They need to wear an elizabethan collar while drying so they do not lick the solution off. As a warning, the lime sulfur dips smells like rotten eggs. It will also stain surfaces. However, it is effective and once the cat is dry, the smell is not as pungent. Talk to Minou about this treatment and see what the doctor thinks. Please post again if you have any further questions.

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

Most of these cats will respond to local treatment. It must be a medication indicated for pets since the cat may in just the medication. There are also medicated dips and systemic medications as well. Since the areas on the eye, if you treat topically, Angel will need to wear an Elizabethan collar at all times to protect the medication from being wiped away. Speak with your veterinarian about her best option. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your concerns about Slinky! A lime dip is important in that it sterilizes the coat to stop further growth of ringworm. That is important in that it prevents the further growth of spores that can re-contaminate the environment. The environment can be a continuing source of spores, so you want to do everything you can to prevent that. If your vet has prescribed the lime dip in addition to the oral anti fungal medication, then I strongly recommend following your vet's instructions. Best of luck, I hope this helps!