Lichen is a type of fungal disease that affects the skin and hair of an animal. Cats can contract the virus from their fellow cats or through contact with contaminated objects. Lichen can also occur in the owner of the pet, so you need to contact the cat as little as possible. After completing the treatment procedures, you should thoroughly wash your hands and change your clothes.
What is lichen and how does it manifest
The main sign of a cat's lichen is the appearance of receding hairline. The affected skin may become red, flaky, and covered with small rashes. Hair falls out quite quickly, so the bald patches not only spread throughout the body, but also increase in volume. In some cases, shingles are itchy, so the cat constantly tries to scratch or lick the affected area.
Lichen treatment
Remember an important rule - if your pet is infected with shingles, then you will not only have to treat the cat itself, but also carry out regular procedures for processing your entire apartment. The presence of fungus on interior items will slow down the process of treating the animal several times.
Lichen can be treated with special antifungal ointments. They treat all bald patches, and gradually the affected skin stops itching, taking on a natural shade. After a while, the coat begins to grow back. Please note that before applying the ointment, the hair on the affected skin must be shaved off or removed with scissors.
A more serious method of curing an animal is special medications. The most effective, for example, are "Ketoconazole" and "Intraconazole". Powder mixtures are added to the pet's food. The dosages are usually indicated in the accompanying instructions.
If you decide to cure lichen with brilliant green or iodine, your method will not only have no effect, but will also prolong the cat's suffering. These substances are completely inactive for fungal diseases.
"Griseowulfin" is a universal drug that is suitable for absolutely all cats. It is often prescribed for kittens, pregnant cats, and older pets.
If a cat becomes infected with lichen during pregnancy, then it should be treated with special attention. The best option would be to contact your veterinarian. Otherwise, you may lose your expected offspring.
Diagnosis of lichen
It is very difficult to diagnose lichen on your own. You can hope for experience, knowledge, or save your money by self-medicating your cat. However, it is possible to establish the fact that it is depriving only with the help of numerous studies. The veterinarian will take the necessary tests from the animal, sow the fungal culture and make an accurate diagnosis.
In addition, only an experienced specialist can prescribe a truly effective treatment. Many diseases can be confused with shingles. Just trying to cure one disease, you may not attach importance to the possible complications. Lichen is a dangerous disease that can be transmitted to all members of your family.
