Ringworm, regardless of its identify, just isn’t attributable to a worm however by a fungal an infection. On canines, it generally manifests as round patches of hair loss. These areas are continuously pink, scaly, and infected, although the looks can range. Some lesions could exhibit damaged hairs, whereas others could also be accompanied by crusting or scaling of the pores and skin. The affected areas usually are not all the time completely spherical, and a number of lesions can merge. The looks will also be influenced by the canine’s breed, age, and total well being.
Correct identification of this fungal an infection is essential for immediate and efficient remedy. Left untreated, it might probably unfold to different components of the canine’s physique and, importantly, is transmissible to people and different animals. Traditionally, confusion surrounding its trigger led to the deceptive “ringworm” moniker, highlighting the significance of correct analysis primarily based on visible examination and, usually, diagnostic exams.