My cat's ringworm not getting better. Should I change vet?

acequion

My question is in the above title? My elderly cat got ringworm in June. It was never officially diagnosed. But her ears started to get bald and I, on my back,got a red skin patch that my doc said was ringworm. So the vet put my cat on Diflucan, on a doasge of a week on/week off over 3 cycles, so took 6 weeks. Her ears healed and all was fine. Until back it came at the end of September. The vet put her back on Diflucan, this time continuously for three weeks.But though he examined her and said it definitely looked like ringworm, he didn't do a test. So it was never conclusively confirmed. This time, with the vet's approval,I ordered lime sulpher shampoo on Amazon and gave her the baths. Almost 4 weeks on, ears still bald, not sore, but as bald as before she started oral meds. All the usual sanitising going on. Cat fine otherwise and not even bothered by her bald ears.

I'm at my wits end and wondering should I change vet? To provide context, her usual vet that she has had her entire life, retired this year and sold the practice to some big group. While my cat is still registered at this practice, I get the impression that the vets there aren't that bothered nowadays.

So how do I go about getting a new vet for a poor little elderly cat in a suspected ringworm flare up? Hugely appreciate any input on this one, thanks so much.

Leg End Reject

Ringworm is very easily diagnosed with a woods lamp. It emits a specific type of UV light and affected skin will flouresce.

Very lazy of a vet not to do this, it takes a few seconds. I'd ring around local vets, explain your vet has retired and ask for an appointment. The biggest risk here is that you and your cat keep reinfecting each other so you should see if your doctor advises treatment for you at the same time your cat is treated.

acequion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122768036#Comment_122768036

Thanks so much for replying, I really appreciate it. Yes, I also thought it bad form not to at least do the woods test.

I intend to seek out a new vet and hopefully find one who will take an interest in the poor little thing.I'm not convinced it's ringworm right now as the ears,though quite bald, are clear of lessions and this time I've caught nothing. But am still taking all precautions.

Leg End Reject

The vet should really do some testing, especially with a senior cat. It's good that she's in good form and not showing signs of distress.

I hope you get better care with another vet, and that she bounces back from this.