A Foster Puppy With a Sudden Bald Spot: Could It Be Ringworm?
(White Plains, NY)
A few other things: The puppy is being treated for kennel cough. As of right now, there are not any other areas on his body, just this one spot, about the size of a silver dollar. This bald spot was white when I first discovered it, then turned red, and is getting darker red, no discharge or raised bumps seen.
I am very concerned about this. I have 3 of my own dogs and I am fostering this puppy. I will be calling in to my vet for an appointment, but in the meantime, I was hoping that you could give me your opinion.
Thank you so much!
You're right to be cautious. Ringworm in dogs often doesn't form a clear ring, and it can start as a single patch where the hair comes out easily, so it's worth testing for even without the classic look. Other possibilities in a young puppy include demodectic mange and a bacterial skin infection.
A spot that changes color within hours isn't typical of ringworm, though, and could be bruising, an injury or a hot spot starting. If it keeps spreading or darkening quickly, you see bruising or bleeding elsewhere, or he becomes lethargic, stops eating or has trouble breathing, contact an emergency vet rather than waiting.
Your vet can check with a UV lamp, a look at hairs under the microscope and a fungal culture or PCR test. Until you know, keep the foster puppy apart from your own dogs, wear gloves or wash your hands after handling him, and wash his bedding. If ringworm is confirmed, your vet will advise on treatment, cleaning and whether your own dogs need checking.
See ringworm in dogs and mange in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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