How to stop a fungal infection spreading among my cats and dogs?

Hello, there are several oral medications used to treat fungal infections in dogs, including ketoconazole, fluconazole & itraconazole. All require a prescription from your veterinarian to treat a pet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

The first thing I would want to ensure is that this is in-fact a fungal infection. Since you have seen multiple doctors, I'll assume they diagnosed it through a fungal culture or a positive response to a UV light. If this has not been done, then I highly recommend you have it done. If it's definitely ringworm, then you will have to treat this for a long time before it goes away. It can take a few months sometimes. The terbinafine cream is helpful, but for an infection that has spread all over the body, I would be giving the dog antifungal tablets. You will need a veterinarian to prescribe these. Your location is showing as the UK, so I am surprised that you were unable to find expert doctors. Have a look at this website and see if you can find a veterinarian near you: http://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/find-a-vet/ I hope this helps, but if you require further assistance, you are welcome to start a consult.

The cream should be applied always with gloves and extra care should be payed regarding hygiene. It would be best to avoid close contact with the cat and the infected area. Systemic medications are available but that would depend on the severity of the infection (if your vet prescribed an ointment that means it will be enough to resolve the infection).

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

Poor Bruno. He should be on oral anti-fungal medication +/- topical antifungal cream or shampoo, depending on what areas of his body is affected. For really resistant infections often pets need extended time on the medication which can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks. I know it's tough to be compliant for that long, but it may be necessary to clear Bruno's infected skin completely and for good.

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.