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Symptoms of fungus in cats. Medicines and folk remedies for treatment. Cat fungus: symptoms and treatment What cat mushrooms look like

For many mushroom pickers, the favorite subject of hunting is the autumn honey fungus. But there may also be some dangers for newcomers to this business. The thing is that there are a huge number of species of honey mushrooms. Some of them are so inconspicuous that they are most often mistaken for toadstools. But the dangerous ones false honey mushrooms They look very nice, so an inexperienced mushroom picker may end up in a basket, and then on the table. Therefore, before you go mushroom hunting, you need to collect as much as possible more information. This will allow you to take tasty and healthy mushrooms, and leave dangerous ones in the forest.

What does a mushroom look like?

As for mushrooms such as honey mushrooms, the description allows you to recognize these gifts of the forest without much difficulty. They grow on flexible and thin legs, which often reach a height of 15 cm. The color can be light brown, honey, brown or dark. It all depends on how old the honey fungus is and where it grows.

Some species have a skirt on the leg. But this sign does not at all mean that there is a normal mushroom in the basket. Some edible honey mushrooms may not have such decoration, but toadstools sometimes have skirts.

The mushroom cap is round and may look like half a ball. It is covered with small scales. Old mushrooms often open like umbrellas. And the surface of the cap becomes smooth. The color can range from light to dark brown. Sometimes reddish mushrooms are found. It all depends on where honey mushrooms grow and their age.

Where to look?

When experienced mushroom pickers go hunting for honey mushrooms, they always know what area they need to look for first. It is worth noting that if you are lucky enough to find one area with honey mushrooms, then you must definitely look nearby. They are capable of “capturing” considerable territories. Sometimes a whole basket is collected from one stump.

Without leaving the spot...

Honey mushrooms feel good in lowlands, and most often they can be found near old trees, on stumps and even on broken branches that lie around on their own. However, these are far from the only habitats of these fungi. Some species prefer open clearings with a few shrubs, meadows and forest edges.

Hemp mushrooms delight mushroom pickers almost all over the world. They are found in the subtropics and throughout the Northern Hemisphere, except for areas with permafrost.

It is worth noting that there are a huge number of species of honey mushrooms. Many of them are edible, but there are also some that should not be eaten. Each species is different appearance and place of growth.

Types and varieties

One of the most popular varieties of honey mushrooms, which are found among hobbyists in baskets, are summer ones, which are sometimes called linden. This edible mushrooms, which grow in the form of huge colonies on old deciduous trees. They love rotten and damaged wood. Mushrooms are small; as a rule, they do not grow more than 7 cm in height. The diameter of the leg can reach 1 cm. A young summer honey fungus will have a semicircular cap, but as it grows it opens. The color of the upper part is dark brown, and the diameter reaches 6 cm.

Summer mushrooms can be found mainly in deciduous forests with high humidity. They begin to appear in April and grow throughout the summer and fall. But in regions with warm climate you can meet them all year round. When collecting these mushrooms you need to be careful, as they are very similar to the poisonous Galerina fringe.

The height of the leg reaches 10 cm with a diameter of 2 cm. There is a slight expansion in the lower part. The color of the stem changes from light honey to dark brown. The mushroom cap is large. In an old mushroom, it can be opened up to 17 cm. In addition, there is a white skirt, which is located directly under the plates. The color of the upper part very much depends on the location of the mushroom. Light honey mushrooms live on poplars, dark brown ones live on oak trees, coniferous trees- reddish.

The appearance of the first autumn species you can wait at the end of August. They are found in places with high humidity. Autumn honey mushrooms grow throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The only exception is areas with permafrost.

There are also winter mushrooms. They grow on old and fallen trees. Most often they can be found on poplar or willow. The stem of the winter mushroom is small, so it rarely reaches a height of 7 cm and a diameter of 1 cm. This species has a dense texture of light-colored pulp. The cap opens up to 10 cm, and its color is yellow, brown or orange. Distinctive feature winter species is a rare arrangement of plates. These mushrooms do not have skirts.

Winter mushrooms found in forests in the area Northern Hemisphere. They grow from late autumn and stop bearing fruit only in the spring. Often mushrooms can be found in the form of fused groups. It is difficult to find winter mushrooms under the snow, so experienced mushroom pickers go hunting for them during thaws. The preparation of this product should be as careful as possible. It is believed that in winter species contains a small dose of toxins, but with careful heat treatment You can completely neutralize the fungus.

Meadow mushrooms, also called meadow mushrooms and clove mushrooms, are an edible product that can be found in meadows, forest edges and other open places. Beginners rarely pay attention to them, although they occur very often. They can even be found in gardens and cottages. Honey mushrooms grow on the ground and form even rows or semicircles. A distinctive feature of meadow grass is its curved leg. These mushrooms are short and very thin. They can be identified by the presence of a small tubercle on the cap.

The color of meadow grasses changes frequently. IN good weather The mushrooms are light in color, and after rain they can turn dark brown with a reddish tint. They don't have skirts.

As for taste, such mushrooms can give off spices. That's why they are often called cloves. Meadows grow all summer. They can be found in the territory from Spain to Japan. Even during severe drought, these mushrooms are able to survive. After they get moisture again, they recover and grow further.

When collecting these mushrooms you need to be very careful. Beginning mushroom pickers often confuse meadow mushrooms with wood-loving collibia. It is not recommended to eat it, as this mushroom contains toxins. A distinctive feature of collibia is its hollow leg, which is much thicker than that of the meadow honey fungus. Meadows can be confused with the furrowed talker. This poisonous mushroom, which is characterized by the presence of a powdery coating on the plates.

This type of mushroom always has a skirt. It is light and located directly under the cap. The diameter of the upper part can reach 10 cm. Young mushrooms most often have a cone-shaped cap, which is tucked towards the bottom. Old honey mushrooms have a flat top covered with a small amount of brown scales. A distinctive feature of thick-legged mushrooms is the frequent arrangement of plates. Initially they are light, but darken over time.

There are several other types of similar mushrooms. Some of them are edible and very tasty, for example the spruce honey fungus. But they are quite rare and only on certain types of wood. For example, it is quite difficult to find the mucous honey fungus, which grows only on fallen beeches. In addition, there are species that grow exclusively on coniferous trees.

In the forest you can also find completely unusual species. As an example, we can take mushrooms, which have a persistent smell of garlic. That’s what they call them – garlic mushrooms. They come in several types that differ in size.

Useful properties of honey mushrooms

These gifts of the forest are highly valued by real mushroom pickers. Honey mushrooms are not only easy to collect, but also simple to cook. They do not require special cleaning, but taste qualities have excellent Honey mushrooms are great for frying and pickling.

But it is worth noting the high nutritional value of these mushrooms. First of all, this product is recommended for those who watch their figure. Honey mushrooms are considered low-calorie, but at the same time contain a considerable amount of useful elements.

The pulp of mushrooms contains vitamins C, E, B and PP. In addition, honey mushrooms are rich in potassium, zinc, phosphorus and iron. They contain fiber, protein and natural sugar, which does not harm the body.

Honey mushrooms are a low-calorie product

Nutritionists note that in terms of the number of useful elements, honey mushrooms can compete with many well-known products that have always been considered leaders. For example, they contain the same amount of potassium and phosphorus as river fish. That is why this product is recommended for people who do not eat meat. Mushrooms will help the body get all the necessary elements in sufficient quantities, but at the same time not deviate from its principles.

In addition, honey mushrooms contain magnesium, zinc and iron. Therefore, the use of this product has a positive effect on the process of hematopoiesis. Honey mushrooms are recommended for those who suffer from anemia.

Just 100g of this useful product per day make it possible to fully provide the adult body with all the necessary substances and vitamins to keep hemoglobin at normal level. But various types honey mushrooms can differ significantly in nutritional value. Some mushrooms are good for hair and nails, while others have a beneficial effect on the condition. hormonal levels and work thyroid gland. It is believed that consuming honey mushrooms will be a good prevention of cancer.

There are no significant contraindications to the use of these mushrooms. However, children under 12 years of age should not eat honey mushrooms, like any other products of this type.

Not everyone knows that there are such mushrooms - chickens. But this is one of the most delicious, tender and delicious varieties. IN European countries chickens, or rosites, are valued on a par with real champignons. The scientific name is annular cap, but in different regions The mushroom bears the names of the bog plant (bog grass) and the Turk. Sometimes chickens are called rows, but in in this case it won't be about them.

Appearance and places where chicken mushrooms are collected

Only experienced mushroom pickers should collect ringed caps, who will be able to distinguish them from the very similar in appearance, but poisonous cobwebs. The cap of a young mushroom has a round shape, ovoid or almost spherical (Fig. 1). Due to its brownish-pink color, it resembles the shell of brown chicken eggs, put on a thick leg. The diameter of a young cap is about 4 cm; as it grows, it can reach 8-10 cm.

As it grows, the mushroom changes the shape of its cap: a bulge appears in the center, giving the chicken a resemblance to a wide cap. The edges of the cap of the young fruiting body, attached to the stem, diverge to the sides and tear the film (veil). As a result, a ring, or skirt, is formed in approximately the upper third of the mushroom stem, with jagged edges hanging down. If the weather is dry, the edges of the cap dry out and crack a little towards the center. The skirt also dries out and becomes unnoticeable, but the ring on the leg remains and serves as one of the main distinguishing features of the chicken.

If you turn over a picked mushroom and look under the cap, you can see thin plates of the spore apparatus attached to the stem. In a young fruiting body they are white or yellowish in color (Fig. 2). After the cap opens, the plates turn yellow, and when the spores mature, they acquire an ocher (rusty) tint. The spore powder has the same color and leaves marks on the hands that look like rust. The color of the plates serves as another sign that allows you to distinguish the ringed cap from similar poisonous counterparts.

The surface of the mushroom cap has fine wrinkles and is covered with a light coating, reminiscent of flour or pearlescent pollen. Closer to the edges of the cap, this plaque can form small scales. Unlike fly agarics, which sometimes have a similar shade, these scales are thin and never occur closer to the center of the cap, being located exclusively along the edge.

The stem of the mushroom has the shape of a regular cylinder. Its base (lower part) is slightly thickened. The surface of the leg has a silky texture, but above the skirt ring it may look scaly. Here it is painted pale yellow.

The part of the stalk located below the ring is brighter than the upper part (Fig. 3). The slightly swollen base makes the mushroom look like a fly agaric or. Distinctive feature is the absence of a cap (volva) around this swelling in chickens.

So, based on the description, we can draw a conclusion about the main differences between the edible chicken mushroom and the similar toadstools:

  • a rounded or slightly convex cap of a brownish, ocher hue with a powdery light coating in the center;
  • the absence of any flakes or scales on the entire surface of the cap; they can only be found at the very edge;
  • an adult mushroom necessarily has a ring of torn film-cover, while a young one connects top part legs and edge of the cap;
  • there is no membranous or cobwebby covering at the base of the leg;
  • An open mushroom shows yellowish or ocher-colored plates attached to the stem.

The dense chicken flesh does not change color when cut or broken. The smell is pleasant, mushroom, spicy. The ringed cap tastes like chicken breast.

Collecting chickens (video)

Where do chicken mushrooms grow?

You can find the ringed cap almost throughout Europe and Asia, in North America and on the Japanese islands. They spread far to the north; even in Lapland and the Russian tundra, chickens can be collected in dwarf birch trees. Mountain mushrooms are also chosen for colonization. coniferous forests. Mushrooms prefer acidic soils where blueberries and lingonberries grow.

IN middle lane Russia is most often found in mossy, slightly marshy areas. Their prevalence in such places gave people the opportunity to call them swamp-dwellers and swamp-dwellers. In Belarus it is found almost everywhere and enjoys well-deserved love and popularity.

From the beginning of July until the frost, the hens appear in light coniferous and mixed forests in small groups. Very often fruiting bodies arranged in rings (“witch circles”). In some areas the mushroom is practically unknown and is considered unfit for food, despite positive characteristics mushroom pickers who know him.

Collecting cockerels and hens (video)

How to cook chicken

Caps are good in any form: they are salted, pickled, fried. Some housewives advise to boil the chickens before frying, but many fry them fresh. If you choose the boiling option, you need to remember that you shouldn’t boil the caps for a long time - they will be ready in 5-10 minutes.

An interesting recipe: prepare a batter from eggs, flour and mayonnaise. Heat in a frying pan vegetable oil, dip the mushroom pieces into the batter and fry for 5-7 minutes. After this treatment, the mushrooms acquire a characteristic taste. chicken meat.

Any recipe is suitable for marinating and salting chicken. Before salting, the mushrooms need to be boiled. A simple way to marinate is this: boil the mushrooms for 10 minutes, drain most of liquid, and add salt, spices and a little vinegar to the rest to taste. Boil for another 5-7 minutes and place hot into jars. Marinated chicken stores well in the cellar or refrigerator.

When you first try to collect the ringed cap, it is best to take the advice of experienced mushroom pickers. They can show and explain where real mushroom, and where is a toadstool similar to it. In case of doubt, you should be guided by the basic rule of mushroom pickers: if you are not sure, you should not collect.

Fungus can appear in a cat regardless of interaction with outside world, an animal can become infected with it through food or through the presence of open wounds on the body. Often, pets have reduced immunity, which their owners do not even suspect. The cat may have problems with the intestines, urinary tract, kidneys, and respiratory tract. Infection can both cause such diseases and accompany them. Let's look at the concept of "fungus in cats", you will also find symptoms and treatment in the article.

Fungus symptoms

Signs of a fungal infection in cats can manifest themselves in different ways; symptoms can be either obvious or confirmed only by taking a test. Until the animal is accurately diagnosed, limit its interaction with other pets.

If your cat has fungus, symptoms may include the following:

  • scratching the affected area longer than usual;
  • fungus in the ears of cats is accompanied by active shaking of the head, while the ears are usually pressed back;
  • passive state;
  • refusal of food;
  • cough.

Another disease may have the same symptoms, so you should not ignore them; visit a veterinarian.

In cats it is general concept infection, some symptoms can be easily confused with another disease, so seek help from a veterinarian.

Your pet will have blood, urine, and feces tests taken, a full diagnosis will be performed, and treatment will be prescribed, depending on the severity of the fungal infection.

Risk group

Even a completely healthy cat that does not leave the house can become infected with the fungus. However, there is a certain risk group, which includes:

  • pregnant and lactating cats;
  • an animal that has recently suffered from diseases of various organs;
  • cats that periodically live outside the apartment;
  • pets who regularly eat raw food;
  • animals with weakened immune systems;
  • purebred cats.

Types of fungal infections

Let's look at the most common forms of fungus:

  1. Histoplasmosis is a fungus transmitted through the air, i.e. by inhalation. The infection strikes respiratory tract, lungs, from there, through the blood vessels, the fungus spreads throughout the body and affects the intestines, spleen and liver. Signs of damage may include: loss of appetite and sharp decline body weight, apathy, cough, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding. The disease must be treated early stage, otherwise antifungal drugs will have to be used for a very long time. It is also necessary to give as much drink as possible during this period. clean water, because if you refuse to feed, dehydration may occur, which will worsen the situation.
  2. Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that is contracted by cats by inhaling spores from contaminated air. This type of fungus has been found in bird droppings and also in soil. It affects the nasal cavity, scalp, and eyes. The disease is easily distinguished from others by its symptoms: bleeding from the nose, the presence of swelling in the bridge of the nose, the formation of lumps in the nasal cavity, the presence of nodules under the skin filled with watery or purulent fluid, frequent sneezing. In case of fungal infection of the central nervous system The cat experiences convulsions, partial paralysis, and blindness. If the disease has become severe or the owner has delayed treatment, the cat may undergo surgery to remove seals from the nasal cavity and subcutaneous nodules. At the same time, antifungal therapy is prescribed in parallel.
  3. Rhinosporidiosis is a fungus in cats, the treatment and symptoms of which are similar to cryptococcosis, but it is a little easier to tolerate in cats. The skin and nasal passages are affected through the formation of ulcerative nodules that continuously grow. They can only be removed surgically; the cat then receives antifungal therapy.
  4. Ear fungus is the most famous infection; often, if not treated, it becomes chronic. Ear fungus in a cat is difficult to confuse with any other; you will understand from the animal’s behavior that it is bothering him. The cat continually pulls its paw to scratch its ear, but does this with caution, because it experiences pain due to the formation of crusts and subcutaneous blisters filled with pus. Also signs are shaking the head and it. Earwax may be released abundantly from the ears; it must be carefully removed without penetrating deep into the ear canal. Immediately show your pet to a doctor; in addition to symptomatic therapy, he will most likely prescribe immunomodulatory drugs. Unfortunately, the fungus can penetrate into the middle ear, and this can lead to inflammation of the brain and death.
  5. Mycetoma is a disease affecting the subcutaneous tissues and the skin itself; in severe cases, it affects the bones of the animal. The fungus appears as granules or grains spreading throughout the animal's body. Mostly such granules are found on the extremities of the paws; they can grow and new formations appear.
  6. Candidiasis is a fungus that affects the oral mucosa and skin. Represents white coating or wounds covered with white scales. Occurs during long-term treatment of a cat with antibiotics, infectious diseases intestines, lungs, bladder.
  7. Mycosis is a fungal infection that is most susceptible to cats with weakened immune systems. Pathogenic microorganisms are found in the air, water, and settle on the grass, as well as the owner’s clothing. Symptoms manifest themselves in the form of redness of the skin, spots form on the abdomen, genitals, and ears. The cat's fur begins to fall out and dandruff appears.

Based on the above description, you can recognize the fungus in cats; photos of an infected animal will help determine the disease, at least roughly.

Fungus treatment

So, you have discovered a fungus in your cat, how to treat it? Therapy must be carried out immediately. It is not recommended to do this yourself; take the animal to the nearest veterinary clinic. The doctor will examine the cat and take a swab of the affected area of ​​the body. It happens that you have to wait several days for the result of the analysis. In this case it is assigned symptomatic treatment, instructions are given on how to care for your pet.

Sometimes the treatment is quite complicated; the cat will need to be brought in for IVs and injections.

Types of antifungal drugs

Each type of fungus is treated with a specific drug in compliance with the regimen and dosage. Let's consider the means used to treat fungus:

  1. "Ketoconazole" is an antimicrobial drug in tablet form prescribed for the treatment of cryptococcosis.
  2. "Amphotericin" is a group of antibiotics, available in the form of ointment and powder for preparing a solution. Used to treat candidiasis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis.
  3. "Clotrimazole" is an antifungal ointment for topical use, applied to the affected areas of the animal's body. Used as therapy for candidiasis.
  4. "Potassium iodide" - acts as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. Sold in powder form for preparing a solution.
  5. "Amoxicillin" is an antibiotic used in cases of damage internal organs: kidneys, liver, lungs.

When treating at home, make sure that the cat does not scratch or lick the ointment on the affected areas.

Traditional methods of treatment

Since man is accustomed to experiencing traditional methods treatment during various infectious and fungal diseases, then he tries to do the same with the animal.

By studying reviews, you can find recipes using herbal decoctions, hydrogen peroxide, and ointments based on natural ingredients. Perhaps some of the recipes worked successfully, but most likely it happened on initial stage the cat was infected with a fungus, or the owner only managed to muffle the symptoms of the disease.

Treatment of fungus without contacting a specialist

Besides traditional methods treatment, people find information on their own or simply go to the nearest veterinary pharmacy for medicine, buying it on the advice of a pharmacist. You should not do this, you will worsen the situation with the fungus in your pet by prescribing the wrong medications, which will lead to death in the future.

Caring for a cat during illness

During the treatment period, it is allowed to process it sleeping place antifungal drugs. Do not allow the animal to be with children; it is not recommended to take it to bed with you at night. Although many sources say that pet infections are not transmitted to humans, you still need to be careful. But don’t forget to encourage your pet in every possible way, talk to him, let him understand that everyone still loves him and cares about him.

Preventing fungal infections in cats

In order to protect your pet from fungal infections, you need to follow simple rules caring for him. Change the water in the bowl as often as possible, do not leave food in the open air, this will prevent microbes penetrating through the windows in the apartment from settling on the food.

Many owners prefer to bathe their cats and also brush them for a long time with a special brush. Cats may love water themselves, but be careful when using shampoo when bathing an animal, you risk leaving it without the natural protective layer, that barrier and lubricant that is constantly present on the skin. The same goes for frequent scratching; in the process, you can injure the surface of the cat’s skin. Even subtle skin lesions can lead to accidental infection.

Ear fungus in cats can be prevented by infrequent ear cleaning. The more often and more intensely you try to rid your pet of earwax using cotton swabs, the more you remove the protective layer that prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the ear canals.

Check with your veterinarian about vaccinations against re-infection with the fungus. You may need to give several injections at regular intervals.

during illness

Particular attention should be paid to the cat's diet. It is strictly not recommended to feed your animal the following foods:

  • meat and fish that have not been cooked;
  • raw eggs;
  • flour products;
  • smoked, fried, spicy, salty foods;
  • food from people's tables.

Purchase special food with added vitamins and microelements from the pet store. The food can be purchased both dry and canned.

Personal hygiene when caring for a sick animal

It should be remembered that when caring for a sick pet, you need to maintain personal hygiene, wash your hands thoroughly with soap after each contact, or better yet, use disposable gloves, they can be found in any pharmacy.