Rules of Thumb For Treatment
Voor Nederlands zie zijbalk links
 | Rules of thumb May 16.pdf (45.46KB) |
| Rules of thumb May 16.pdf (45.46KB) |
General
- Remember that a patient with a dermatophyte infection is contagious to other animals and also to people (ringworm). Young animals and children are particularly sensitive, but direct physical contact with the patient(s) should be avoided by everyone as much as possible.
- In most animals, the infection can only be diagnosed, or ruled out, by means of laboratory testing.
- Please note that a patient does spread the agent into its environment where it can survive for a long period of time in the form of dust. Therefore, that environment -cage or living space- must also be part of the treatment. This includes thorough vacuum cleaning (2 x per week) of all surfaces. Use vacuum cleaner with new HEPA-filter (or at least micro-filter). Mob suitable surfaces with a cloth drenched in bleach (household bleach 1: 10 water). Rugs -textiles- should be machine-washed 1 x a week at 30 degrees. Thus, housing which allows simple cleaning is highly recommended. Keep in mind that the removal, not displacement, of dust is the main goal of the treatment.
- Be sure to isolate the infection; wear an assigned dustcoat and footwear while handling the patient and keep these items with the patient.
- Treatment should continue until normal hair growth starts to cover the lesions. In many cases it is recommended to check if the treatment is complete, i.e. no infectious material is remaining. The VqQd test is ideal for this situation because it is sensitive and provides a quick answer.
- Prevention is always better than treatment! Prevent the introduction of infection by checking new arrivals that may be carrying an infection. The VqQd test facilitates this in an easy, fast and ultimately cost effective way.
Cats
- Cats should be treated both locally (special anti-mycotic shampoo) and orally (anti-mycotic medication). Your veterinarian can prescribe these drugs.
- It is also strongly recommended to completely shave the patient, particularly if they have a long coat.
- The entire treatment protocol must be applied until two control tests (1 week apart) are negative. The first control test can be done 6 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. Here, the VdQd test has the particular advantage of a quick result, so treatment is kept to a minimum.
Guinea pigs
- Field experience shows that treatment of infected guinea pigs can be relatively simple: 4 thorough washings with enilconazole solution (2x per week). Let the animals dry off in a clean cage, preferably with a heat source.
- To contain the risk of spread, it is important to do a test to check if all infectivity is gone; the VdQd test is perfectly suited.
Dogs and rabbits
- Depending on the location and extent of the skin lesions, local treatment with anti-mycotic ointment (apply daily) and washes with an enilconazole solution (2x week) are usually sufficient.
- In case of extensive skin lesions, or for other practical reasons, oral medication with an anti-mycotic agent may also be required.
- Continue treatment until normal hair growth returns.
- In order to reduce the risk of dissemination, it is recommended to check for remaining infectivity before an animal is to be relocated; the VdQd test is ideally suited because it is quick and reliable.
