For more depth, the reader is referred to issues of the The Compendium of Continuing Education, published in Novemebr and December, 1995. However, more often than not, contaminated households, kennels and catteries readily serve as sources of infection, as decontamination of these areas can be extremely difficult. Some infections can be spread from a single animal to another animal or rarely, to a human. Clinical signs result from penetration and digestion of the non-viable outer skin layer and of hair shafts by infective fungal elements. This is the most reliable method for the definitive diagnosis for the presence of ringworm organisms.
Results typically take seven to ten days.
The possibility of false negative results is, however, great. Clipping removes infective spore reservoirs and allows for a more efficacious topical medication administration. Animals must be at least four months old to receive the initial and subsequent booster immunizations. BUT does NOT eliminate organisms from the animal. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces, including floors, baseboards, heating registers and auto interiors to mechanically reduce the amount of infected material.