NutriVet Wound Spray or Cats or Miconazole Nitrate 1% for Feline Ringworm?

Question

I adopted a little guy from a no kill shelter and unfortunately he developed a URI and now he has ringworm (I recall seeing several little kittens put in a kennel thing that had the word ringworm on it, so I am certain he got it there.) The shelter has been GREAT and they have given me medications for both ailments. I know my little one will probably lose some more hair before the antibiotic Itraconazole takes full effect and I understand there is cleaning to be done in my apt. I am very upset looking at the ringworm wondering if this little guy is hurting. I bought the NutriVet Wound Spray today, which he totally hates so I have done some research online and am wondering if the Miconazole Nitrate would be a better choice. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with either and can share with me which worked well. Also my other concern is my other cat. It has been very difficult to keep the two separated as the infected one tries to leave the room he is in to meet the other cat and visa versa. Not to mention the fact that they have been playing "footsie" under the door so they have had contact. I just want to minimize the ringworm hazard while ensuring both of my cats are treated well and in a way that promotes their healing quickly and effectively. Any suggestions would be helpful because I am a worried kitty guardian and just really upset about this whole thing. (FYI I will be consulting the shelter again tomorrow but I am like I said just very upset about how the ringworm appears.)

Answer 1

I've never heard of the NutriVet Wound Spray, so I don't know what's in it.  Itraconazole is an antifungal, and so is Miconazole.  Since ringworm is a fungus, the Miconazole would be more helpful.  Sometimes we suggest people using Lotrimin cream on pets with ringworm.  You do want to keep the cats separated as much as possible so the other cat doesn't become infected as well.  It's also contagious to you, in case they didn't let you know that.  Here's some more information:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content...

Answer 2

Ringworm in cats is rarely bothersome to anyone other than the owner. It should absolutely be treated, but the itraconazole (an anti-fungal medication) should cover all your bases. I can think of no reason to use a topical medication in addition to the itraconazole. Treatment for ringworm can often be prolonged and should (ideally) not be stopped until at least one negative fungal culture has been obtained by your vet. At the very least, I would anticipate treating your new kitty for 6 weeks. Until his treatment is complete, he and your other cat should be kept as separate as possible to prevent spread.

I am so glad to hear that you've been informed about cleaning up the apartment. This is a VERY important aspect of treating ringworm in animals. Be sure to vacuum thoroughly and clean hard floors (or other cat-bearing surfaces) with a bleach solution (10:1 water to bleach), clean your vents and change your heating/air conditioning filters. Those nasty spores can live FOREVER in the environment!

Good luck, and kudos on being such a dedicated caretaker!