Says Sandra Newbury, DVM, National Shelter Medicine Extension Veterinarian, Koret Shelter Medicine Program at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, “This handy tool can be used to HELP screen cats for ringworm before they go to foster care, or any other time cats might be moving to a location where ringworm spores in the environment would be a particularly bad thing. The toothbrush is used to brush the cat from nose to toes to tip of tail. Most cats love it! Brushing the cat with the toothbrush collects fungal spores that may have been present on the cat’s fur. The toothbrush is then used to transfer any spores onto a fungal culture plate.”

“The reason HELP is in capitals,” explains Dr. Newbury, “is because that high-tech tool (the toothbrush!), used in conjunction with Dermatophyte Test Media for a fungal culture, can only give you the answers you need after about 5-10 days. A thorough visual screening (otherwise known as a check for skin lesions) that includes the use of a Wood’s Lamp can help you get answers right away. That helps prevent contamination of foster homes and helps kitties get the treatment they need sooner.”

Want to learn more in the fight against the fungus? Check out our three-part webinar series on tackling ringworm: http://www.aspcapro.org/webinar-series-beating-ringworm.php. The first session will be held on September 25—sign up now so you don’t miss it!