Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs
Though Ringworm in dogs has a relatively simple cause (certain types of fungus that affect the skin), it may be initially difficult for a veterinarian to positively diagnose a dog for Ringworm based on initial physical symptoms. Since all of the symptoms associated with Ringworm are skin-related, these symptoms may be attributed to a simple skin condition (such as dry skin) or an allergic reaction to a pet or household product.
However, since the diagnostic medical procedures can usually produce definite results, treatment after a positive diagnosis is relatively effective.
Here are the four most common symptoms associated with Ringworm.
1. Skin Lesions (Circular or Otherwise)
One of the most defining symptoms of Ringworm is a circular, hairless skin lesion that appears on the face, paws or neck. This is one of the main reasons why many people first thought that the condition known as "Ringworm" was caused by an actual worm (though we know know this condition to be caused by fungus). However, these skin lesions in dogs are not always necessarily circular in shape. They can be oblong, spotted, or oddly shaped. This sometimes makes Ringworm in dogs a bit hard to diagnose, since hairless skin lesions are also associated with some other medical conditions that affect dogs (such as Demodectic Mange).
2. Skin Pustules
In many cases, small skin pustules may be present on or around the hairless skin lesions caused by the fungus associated with Ringworm. Though skin pustules frequently occur, it is possible for a dog to be infected with Ringworm and not have visible skin pustules. This symptom, as with many of the other symptoms of Ringworm, is not itself definitive enough for a positive diagnosis for Ringworm. Also, since some other medical conditions can cause skin lesions with pustules, this may also contribute to it being difficult for a veterinarian to positively diagnose a dog for Ringworm based on this physical symptom.
3. Itching
Some dogs that are afflicted with Ringworm will have uncomfortable itching associated with the hairless skin lesions frequently caused by Ringworm. As with some of the other symptoms associated with Ringworm, this may or may not be present. This symptom also presents a possible additional difficulty for veterinarians when diagnosing a dog's medical condition. When a dog experiences itching in association with characteristic Ringworm skin lesions, they may scratch enough to disfigure the appearance of the lesions. This may cause an initial mis-diagnosis, and can contribute to other related symptoms such as scabbing, bleeding, and further loss of hair.
4. Red, Scaly Skin
The presence of red, scaly skin may or may not be present in and around the area where hairless skin lesions are present. Since these skin lesions may also be oddly shaped, the presence of scaly skin may also confuse a veterinarian about the initial physical diagnosis of this condition. If red, hairless skin lesions appear on the facial area of a dog, it is very common for Ringworm to be mistaken for any number of autoimmune medical disorders.