hair loss, dandruff in kittens

Hey all,

Vet diagnosed hair loss as ringworms and gave topical antifungal cream to apply. Fast forward about 3 weeks later, bald patches are growing hair but some areas still have "dandruff" and crustiness. The bald areas don't look round to me... Other cats don't have the same thing (knock on wood!).

Is this really ringworm?

It sounds like classic ringworm. Keep treating all the spots to reduce it from spreading more, and hopefully the others don't get it.

How did the vet diagnose it? Did he use a Wood's lamp or do a culture? The culture results take a week. If it is ringworm, the local treatment may work but you have to be persistent and use it as directed until the ringworm is completely gone and after for a few days. You need to isolate your affected cats and clean the environment. You need to use bleach in a 1:10 dilution for all hard surfaces contacted by the cat daily and vacuum frequently and dispose of the bag immediately. There are other treatments, shampoos, dips and oral medications that can be used if the local treatment doesn't work. You need to work with your vet on this one, sorry, that is a hard disease to have to work with. Becky