Advice needed about ringworm....

[Brigitte Cowell]

Yes, continue to treat even when the lesions stop glowing.

I am like you, I went berserk when I had to deal with this... but I would rather do that and be sure that it is gone than have reoccurrences of it! I'm a microbiologist so went even further. I searched out and purchased fungal culture plates and sampled my house to make sure the spores were all gone, LOL!

 

[Tort518]

You can get it, the dogs can get it, anyone who comes in contact with the cat can get it. He should stay in quarantine until you get the "all clear" from your vet. You can scroll through this thread http://www.savannahcatchat.com/threads/now-presenting-yuki-and-yeti.3279/page-16#post-51838 for some tips on treatment. It took a long time for Tort518 to rid his cats of the fungus.

Very true. I got great advice and support from the folks here and put that and more to work. The real big breakthrough was made by a combination of many things including some powerful liquid medicine for them to take, periodic fogging of the whole house with Sani-Gard, spraying areas periodically with the spray version of it, and the creams and anti-fungal shampoo. The amazing personalities of my Savannah cats is what helped me stay sane and determned through the process.

 

[Tort518]

You need to worry about getting it yourself because if you get it, you can pass it on to the dogs. The incubation period for ringworm can be up to three weeks, so just because you haven't spotted anything on yourself yet doesn't mean you won't get it. The kitten will remain infected until the spots go away and the hair starts growing back. If your fiance is sleeping in the bedroom, unless he is scrubbing himself in the shower or spraying himself down with Health Guard before coming out of the room, he is probably spreading the spores to the rest of the house.

The bottom line with ringworm - it is not a dangerous infection, but it is definitely a pain in the tuchus!!!

I used tea tree oil soap on myself, still do, but avoid using it on the cats since it might be harmful to them.

 

[Tort518]

You can use a fogger like saniguard, which is effective for fungus and many other bacteria - you do not have to cover anything and can come back in 30 min: http://www.alimed.com/saniguard-antimicrobial-fogger-and-surface-spray.html...using the spray is effective for sanitizing as well...use Healthguard to wash laundry and disinfect...

Forgot to mention I still use Healthguard for laundry.

 

[IMingenius]

Thanks everyone!!! Without Paige's advice on the fogger and the Healthguard spray, WitchyWoman's first responder actions and advice to steer clear of "home remedies" (nail polish), Rascal Dad's medication recommendation, Evie's sweet words that were so encouraging, Tort 518's letting me know how best to treat ourselves so we don't spread it and, last but certainly not least's BRIGETTE'S recommendations of purchasing the Swiffer and her being there each and every step of the way helping, guiding and encouraging me I'm not sure I wouldn't be nuts by now. XOXOXO Now, I know that I love Jinx and Jon loves Jinx, but to have everyone that has been here for us love Jinx is overwhelming!! I wish I could bring him (when he's better, of course) to meet each one of you so that he know's all of the people who took the time to care for and about him. Quite honestly, I can thank everyone a million times over but his snuggles and turbo-purr eclipse my meager words of thanks.

 

[admin]

Glad we kept you sane you will get through this...it takes a lot of perseverance and fortitude and you have both...I'm sure jinx will be fine and you will really enjoy him in no time...

 

[IMingenius]

Thanks Paige, you're amazing….and no matter what is "wrong" with Jinx, I will always enjoy him, love him, help him and adore his silly little butt! LOL

 

[IMingenius]

Update....Yesterday we took Jinx to his new Vet for a check up and so she could take a look at him to better understand what he has to deal with. There were 2 more small areas of ringworm found...one on his back and one near his mouth. She determined the best course of action was to shave his hair. At least we can reach any areas he has and may come up with now. She told us it is because he is FIV positive that he is having a harder time fighting this off and is more likely to develop more areas infected with ringworm. I don't know much about FIV, but we are hoping this is not true. Good news is that he had his cast removed and his bones had healed nicely! He'll have a limp for the next few weeks, but it's only because his muscles have been weakened...he'll be up and around again very soon. Just wanted to give all who have been here for us a quick update....I know that good thoughts and love will be sent his way from yall to help him along.

 

[WitchyWoman]

She told us it is because he is FIV positive that he is having a harder time fighting this off and is more likely to develop more areas infected with ringworm. I don't know much about FIV, but we are hoping this is not true.

Awww, poor little Jinx has had his share of troubles in his short life. It's a good thing that he has you to take care of him and provide him the best opportunity to stay healthy as long as possible. Please read this about FIV http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/brochure_fiv.cfm

I can't remember if you have other cats. If so, it's important that they remain permanently separated from Jinx to prevent spread of the FIV.

 

[IMingenius]

I'm so happy to hear from you, WitchyWoman! No, Jinx is our first kitten ever… and he's definitely had his share of troubles, but no matter what it takes, he only has good things to look forward too! Thank you for sending info about FIV…both Jon and I feel so ignorant about everything that has anything to do with Jinx and cats lately. Not that we regret adopting our first kitten and him having these issues, it's more that we know we should have been more well informed before adopting any animal…regardless, we don't care one bit about anything but taking care of Jinx. Jon told me yesterday that the "Humane" Society we adopted Jinx from that Jon volunteers at, put down 16 kittens and 5 cats because of ringworm, so we are thankful to have him AND his ringworms!

I saw (no stalker creepiness intended) that you travel frequently to Europe (Germany?) Are you originally from there? I grew up in Germany, is why I ask….it's seldom that I meet anyone from Germany!!