[Lara's mom]

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for animals after the debacle with the Toronto Humane Society, the Ontario Society for the Protection of Animals (OSPCA) will euthanise approximately 350 animals after a severe outbreak of ringworm. Every pet in the shelter will be euthanised.

Frankly, I just don't understand it. Ringworm is treatable. I'm hoping Mr. Vega will weigh in on this one and explain why these animals just couldn't be adopted out with the appropriate medication.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?

[Todd]

There are many cases of this;

dog ringworm euthanized - Google Search

dog ringworm euthanized - Google Search

I personally think it's very, very sad. All I can think of is that they fear an even larger outbreak of ringworm in the shelter, however like you said Laura's Mom, why can't people at least have the opportunity to adopt them and treat them??? Doesn't make much sense. Must have something to do with not having enough time but the infected dogs could be segregated to a designated area away from the healthy dogs and then treated or at least made open for adoption/treatment.

Here is an online excerpt that may help answer the question...

Veterinarians say an outbreak inside an animal shelter can quickly become unmanageable.

Ryan said shelter staff sought extensive advice and found that euthanizing the animals was the only option.

Full Article: CBC News - Toronto - Shelter to euthanize pets in ringworm outbreak

I disagree. I would, as I said, separate the infected animals away from the healthy ones and seek treatment/possible adoption from there. At least attempt.

The article also said...

Ryan said the ringworm is "particularly aggressive" and it's "not that common."

There is also concern the ringworm could be passed to humans.

I didn't thin it was that rare either Laura's Mom. Also humans could easily be properly protected from catching the disease from the animals.I don't think killing the animals is the answer. It just doesn't seem right without at least trying other options.

[Lara's mom]

There are people willing to take at least some of those animals and pay for their treatment. Why would the OSPCA rather kill those animals than give them to people who will pay for their treatment?

Many years ago, I adopted a kitten who turned out to have ringworm. All it took was a visit to the vet, an anti-fungal cream and some basic hygiene. The kitten recovered and lived to a ripe old age. This is a treatable condition. There is no reason to kill all of these animals!!!

[CorkyMax]

I remember as a little kid living on a farm that calves esp. got ringworm. I don't remember that 'big a deal' with worrying over it at all. It did not spread that easy/fast that I recall--In fact we kids still petted them even with the ringworm. I think they were simply treated and everything was okay after. And, hey, this was like about 60 some years ago and so there must be even better meds and treatments then there were then. And like I said it wasn't that bad even then!!

Why does this place (OSPCA) even have the words --for the protection of animals--in it's title!!? Sounds like it shoud be renamed-- NOT for the protection of animals.Better yet--burn this place to the ground and let a new better place come about and banning anyone involved in this disgraceful place from ever working there!:x

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

There are people willing to take at least some of those animals and pay for their treatment. Why would the OSPCA rather kill those animals than give them to people who will pay for their treatment?

Many years ago, I adopted a kitten who turned out to have ringworm. All it took was a visit to the vet, an anti-fungal cream and some basic hygiene. The kitten recovered and lived to a ripe old age. This is a treatable condition. There is no reason to kill all of these animals!!!

I agree. As I said, at least some of the dogs could have been adopted and treated. They said they had no other choice or the disease would spread, but how would it spread if the animal was adopted and gone????? Sounds like whomever is making these decisions doesn't care much and is in it for something else besides a love for animals. Reminds me of certain pet food companies...

[Tonkalover]

I think it's funny that they referred to Ringworm as a disease....I am a nurse in a long term pediatric unit where everyone has dealt with ringworm. This fungal rash is very contagious and causes some itching, and is not so nice to look at. I cannot justify how animals with this treatable fungus were euthanized. Topical creams for the animals with a few, and oral antifungal meds for those infested....Sounds like they took the easy way out...Lazy

[gambler-girl]

Originally Posted by Todd

I agree. As I said, at least some of the dogs could have been adopted and treated. They said they had no other choice or the disease would spread, but how would it spread if the animal was adopted and gone????? Sounds like whomever is making these decisions doesn't care much and is in it for something else besides a love for animals. Reminds me of certain pet food companies...

The problem today is law suits, it these dogs pass it to childern or cattle the OSPCA would be sued to hills. But if Lara's mom is right and it is cheap meds then why wasn't that done. It might be easy to manage one animal with it but a large out break would be very difficult, the one thing I am sure of it is HIGHLY contagous!

GG

Originally Posted by Tonkalover

I think it's funny that they referred to Ringworm as a disease....I am a nurse in a long term pediatric unit where everyone has dealt with ringworm. This fungal rash is very contagious and causes some itching, and is not so nice to look at. I cannot justify how animals with this treatable fungus were euthanized. Topical creams for the animals with a few, and oral antifungal meds for those infested....Sounds like they took the easy way out...Lazy

How do babies in your unit get ringworm?

GG

[GSDS4Life]

The other sad thing is that this outbreak started WEEKS ago. And one of the managers was fired as he didn't go through protocall as to isolate the infected ones. Six workers ended up with ringworm. If it was cought in time, then this wouldn't be happening.

And actually no all will be put down. The ones that are less severely infected will be isolated at other vets offices.

Actually what I have been informed about treatment is that it is not really that cheap, especially treating large dogs. And there is also a whole-body topical therapy. And sometimes the treatment doesn't work.

[Todd]

Just doesn't seem like the people in charge here are making so much as a slight effort to do anything about it...

[gambler-girl]

This is local to me so it's all the talk on the radio call in shows. Couple of farmers called in saying it just goes away in cows, and one guy said he got himself put used gear oil on it and the ringworm went away...lol This is just standard operatering procedure in Ontario government they hate dogs, first the Pit Bulls then this....shame shame on them

GG

[Ozzy29]

Wow, that is totally ridiculous. It is not a fatal condition. It's a fungus. There are other solutions available they just did not want to look for them. And meds are not the only way of treating. Dips and creams do work.
There are many home remedies for this fungus in people i.e. tee tree oils and mustard seeds.
Does any one know if this would work on a dog? Is there any reason that it would not? As far as I know neither product would be harmful to a dog or a cat.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Ozzy29

Wow, that is totally ridiculous. It is not a fatal condition. It's a fungus. There are other solutions available they just did not want to look for them. And meds are not the only way of treating. Dips and creams do work.
There are many home remedies for this fungus in people i.e. tee tree oils and mustard seeds.
Does any one know if this would work on a dog? Is there any reason that it would not? As far as I know neither product would be harmful to a dog or a cat.

Yes! There are also other natural treatments out there. Here's some stuff I found online...

Apple Cider Vinegar

This home remedy is frequently used to treat infections, and is fairly effective at treating mild cases of Ringworm in dogs. However, it is important to keep in mind that vinegar is an acidic substance, and may cause your dog a significant amount of pain when applied directly to skin lesions.

Chrysarobinum

This homeopathic remedy is also known as "Goa Powder". It is a fairly powerful skin irritant that is used by some dog owners to treat infections of Ringworm. However, since it is an irritant, it may cause a dog a significant amount of pain. A possible side effect of using this remedy is that a dog's skin condition may actually become worse from treatment with Chrysarobinum.

Mustard Seed

When crushed into a paste, Mustard Seeds may be used as a topical treatment for Ringworm (as well as some other fungal infections). However, this mixture may stain carpet, clothing or furniture, so it is best to have your dog remain outside for some time after application of mustard seed paste.

Tumeric and Honey

Honey is a natural disinfectant, and Tumeric may help to reduce inflammation (as well as having some evidence of clearing up infections). When mixed together, this substance may be applied to the characteristic skin lesions associated with Ringworm to help speed the healing process.

Papaya

This treatment is rapidly growing in popularity, and is now used to treat Ringworm in both humans and dogs alike. The best type of papaya to use for this treatment is raw Papaya, cut into thin slices. The slices of fresh Papaya may be rubbed over the infected areas, or may be made into a paste for topical application.

Holy Basil

The plant known as Holy Basil is not to be confused with regular Basil, though they are slightly related. Holy Basil is a clove-like plant, and has a reputation for healing many medical conditions. As use for a Ringworm treatment, the juice from a Holy Basil plant may be applied to the infected area as a general disinfectant.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is fairly well-known for being a powerful disinfectant. As a treatment for Ringworm, it can be slightly diluted and applied to the infected areas. However, it's important to remember that Tea Tree Oil has been suggested to be toxic to some animals (such as cats), so you must be careful when using Tea Tree Oil to treat Ringworm.