Ask a PetDoc: English Bulldog with patterns similar to ringworm

Written by Jonathan Baker

Question: English Bulldog with patterns similar to ringworm

Dr. Jim,

I have an English Bulldog and I was told she has a thyroid problem and she has stomach cancer that is a treatable type. She is constantly having to be taken to the vet as her hair falls out in circular patterns similar to ringworm. I am told it is bacterial shin infections or yeast infections. She is on antibiotics at at least once a month and takes Tavist D once a day, thyrotabs once a day and dermcaps once a day. I am very frustrated because there has to be some underlying cause to the skin problems coming back. She eats a low allergen dog food. Do I need to take her to a specialist? My husband also has places similar on him which the doctor diagnosed as ringworm. Can ringworm pass from human to pet and vice versa?

Sincerely,
Betty

Dr. Jim says:

Betty,

Yes, ringworm can pass from people to pets and vice versa. If your husband has been diagnosed with ringworm then in all likelihood the lesions on your dog are also ringworm caused and the reason the current treatments have not been successful. Positive identification of the cause of the lesions is only accomplished by culturing skin scrapings taken from the circular lesions. A preliminary diagnosis may occur by shining a Wood’s lamp on active lesions. Ringworm treatment generally takes 1 to 3 months using a combination of oral and topical therapy. The causative agents of ringworm are all around us and generally only infect an individual when that individual is immunocompromised, is nutritionally challenged and other factors. In any case it is important for family members to wash with soap and water after handling the dog. These comments also generally apply to cats.

Dr. James Sokolowski, DVM, PhD is a veterinarian with 40 years in the pet industry. He has appeared extensively on radio and TV including CNN, Fox, ABC and other national and local radio and TV programs. Dr. Sokolowski is a recipent of veterinary professional awards for his contributions to the veterinary profession. Read his full bio here.

Have a health question for Dr. Jim's next column? Just send an email to AskThePetDoctor@PetDoc.com. Can't wait till next month's column to see if your question gets answered? You can either ask a question on our forums or scroll down to the bottom of the page and pay for an immediate answer from JustAnswer.com.