Ringworm

Ringworm is not a worm and is not always ring-shaped. It is a slow growing fungus that feeds on dead skin cells and hair of all species of mammal.

The most common one, Microsporum canis, is common on juvenile cats and dogs where it appears as a dry, oval, scurfy patch of broken off hair. Many of these lesions glow brightly under ultraviolet light.

The spores of these fungi often contaminate brushes and cloth that have been in touch with the pet. If these spores come in contact with abraded skin, the fungal infection may transfer to the pet owner.