How to tell ringworm from an abscess on my pet, or can they co-exist?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could actually be either of the two and the only way to know for sure is by testing with a fungal culture. This is a test that your veterinarian can run easily. While the location in the ventral abdomen is not typical of ringworm in cats, this is certainly possible. One thing to point out is that usually ringworm does not cause itchiness in cats while hot spots or dermal infections tend to do. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian can test to see if ringworm is possible. In the meantime, try to avoid having direct contact with this lesion in case it is ringworm as that can be transmitted to humans. Good luck and have a good night!

Can be but may not be. Your vet can use a woods lamp to see if it glows green. If it does then it is ringworm. If it does not then it still can be ringworm but may not be. There is a fungal test to confirm if it is or not. Does anyone in your home have lesions? I would also recommend skin scraping the area looking for mites if it is just hairloss and not scabbing also. Mia needs to have a vet physically examine this area and the rest of her to see exactly what is going on. Ringworm can be treated topically if just one location with an anti-fungal cream. I also recommend ecollars after applying the cream so they do not lick the areas. If it is more than one location then I recommend oral anti-fungal medications. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to ringworm. This could also be just a focal skin bacterial infection, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have Katana evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Ringworm can be transmitted to humans so just in case this is what is going with Katana, wear gloves when handling this lesion. Good luck and best wishes!

This does not look like ringworm. This looks like a histiocytoma. Of course, I cannot tell you this with 100% certainty. It is best to have her examined by your vet to get a proper diagnosis. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952066 )

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal infection). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics/antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It would be much easier for us to give you advice if we could see the lesion. Can you post again with some photos? There are many different skin issues that can look similar so it's hard to say what could be causing the problem for sure. That is why the testing is recommended. A positive result under the black light is a good indicator that it is ringworm.

I'm really sorry but it is impossible to tell anything from the photos. I do appreciate you trying to post them though! They are very grainy especially when I try to enlarge them. I can't tell if it is a wound, a ringworm lesion or what. I don't think I would be "worried" but I would concerned enough to get her to your vet for an exam. If it is ringworm, it can be transmitted from cats to humans. You need to know what the lesion is before starting any treatment. You are welcome to post again with better photos but please understand it is impossible for us to diagnose (and it is also against the law) over the internet so you will likely get the same response. Best wishes.