Ringworm question

Paula · #1 07/20/06, 08:57 AM

I've noticed that a couple of our cows have ringworm. Haven't ever had this problem. How is it treated, and will it go away on it's own if not treated? I tend to be one who waits to see if the animal's immune system can take care of things then medicate if it becomes necessary.
My problem in this case is that the bull has ringworm under his belly. We make it a point not to mess with our bulls at all. We could get him in the headcatcher if needed, but would rather not.
Anyone have experience with this?

ace admirer · #2 07/20/06, 11:59 AM

hmmm, just roaming around, and i'm not an expert on this but.,,,ringworm is a fungas so i don't think the animals immune system has a lot to do with it until it gets more serious. i have noticed ring worm treatment at our local tractor supply stores....in your case you could try spraying it on using a pump up sprayer. are your cows in a moist enviroment? if so you might try doing something to help that.

oh yeah.....it will transfer to humans pretty easily....so take pecautions.

Up North · #3 07/21/06, 12:14 AM

Ringworm usually rears it's ugly head in the winter or spring, as it primarily takes hold when there is a lack of sunshine. Some folks will go to lengths wirebrushing area(don't think that will go over real well under a Bull's Belly,LOL) and applying topical sprays, but the standard and most effective cure is to have animal outside with access to sunshine.
Unless Bull is penned in a dark building, a bit odd that it would have Ringworm in the summer .

Paula · #4 07/21/06, 06:53 AM

The cows are outside all the time, but our property has lots of water. In this heat, if they're not standing in a pond or creek they're laying in any cool spot they can find in the woods, sometimes damp. Maybe that's it.
I googled ringworm and found that it'll almost always go away without treatment.

Ronney · #5 07/21/06, 06:59 AM

If you want to go crawling around under his tummy you can spray it with iodine but I doubt that you will want to do that so just leave it alone and it will clear up. It is infectious though so might be an idea to keep him on his own for a while if you can.

Cheers,
Ronnie

Up North · #6 07/21/06, 08:49 AM

Paula if you or the kids get it from cows - treat aggressively with an antibiotic creme. Stuff travels like wildfire amongst farm kids, LOL.