Ringworm easily treated, passed along
QMy cat has had a bald area on his back leg for about three weeks. It doesn’t bother him, so I didn’t think much of it. I’m now concerned because instead of disappearing with time, it’s getting bigger. It is now about a toonie size, round and the skin under looks dry. Logan, Peachland
ASkin issues in pets is a broad area; however, a few things you mention make me think that one of the most possible cause for this skin abnormality is a fungal infection.
Even fungal infections may vary in presentations, but an isolated lesion, not itchy nor painful, round in shape and flaky, is typical to a ringworm infection.
The bad news is that this infection is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to people.
The good news is the diagnosis and the treatment of an isolated lesion are simple and not expensive.
Some ringworm will produce a fluorescent pigment on the skin; a vet can use a special ultraviolet light in a dark room to check for the typical fluorescent discoloration.
A definite diagnosis is done by taking a sample of the skin flakes and hair and culture it.
This test takes few days to yield an answer; however, if the lesion is highly suspected to be fungal, a topical cream can be applied.
Most simple fungal infections can be treated with topical treatments like medicated creams or shampoos.
If the problem is more widespread or persistent despite the topical treatment, a course of systemic, oral medication can be used.
Because the infection can be transmitted to humans, you should avoid touching the area.
Medicate your pet using gloves. Also, care should be taken to thoroughly clean the cat’s bedding and other areas its in close, frequent contact with, to prevent recurrence of the infection.
QMy dog loves broccoli. I have added broccoli to her dog food because I was under the impression that it would be healthy for her.
A friend told me it’s toxic for them. Is there any truth to that?
I have to say that I’ve been giving her the broccoli for three months now and see no problem or change with her. Robbi, West Kelowna
ABroccoli is one of those foods that is healthy for humans, but doesn’t benefit dogs in the same way.
Dogs are carnivores; their digestive systems are designed to process and digest mainly meat. Broccoli is related to cabbage and cauliflower.
These vegetable are not easy to digest, even by humans, and may cause gas, bloating and abdominal pain.
Dogs may get an upset stomach if they consume these vegetables.
Having said that, broccoli is only toxic to dogs if is given in a very large amount (toxicity has been shown in dogs at 450 miligrams/kilogram daily).
If your dog likes broccoli that much, and does not have a problem digesting it, you can keep offering it to her as long as you keep it in small amounts.