Feline dermatophytosis: diagnosis and treatment
4-month-old Persian kitten with circular, scaly alopecic lesions on the face and ears. A girl in the family has a ring-shaped lesion on her arm.
Which statement about feline dermatophytosis is correct?
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A. It is confirmed by fungal culture and/or PCR; treat with oral itraconazole + topical therapy + environmental decontamination
Correct. Treatment combines a systemic antifungal, topicals (lime sulphur or miconazole-chlorhexidine shampoo) and environmental cleaning. Cure is confirmed by negative cultures, not just clinical improvement.
B. A negative Wood’s lamp rules out dermatophytosis
Only Microsporum canis fluoresces, and not every strain (roughly half or more). Apple-green fluorescence on hair shafts is useful, but a negative result does not rule out infection.
C. Topical treatment of the lesions is enough, without treating the environment
Spores persist in the environment for months and cause reinfection. Treating only the lesions does not clear the coat infection.
D. Griseofulvin is the safest drug in kittens
Griseofulvin can cause bone marrow suppression (especially in FIV-positive cats) and is teratogenic. Itraconazole is the drug of choice in cats.
lightbulb Key takeaway
It is a zoonosis: advise the family to see their doctor. Persian cats can be asymptomatic carriers. Brushing the coat with a new toothbrush (Mackenzie technique) is the best sampling method for culture.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.