In this article we’ll explain what dermatophytosis is and what you need to know about it.
Dermatophytosis is a fungal disease of the skin, traditionally known as tinea.
It is characterised by an infection of the superficial layers of the skin, in which the fungus has the ability to invade and feed on the keratinised tissue of the skin, hair and nails.
This disease is usually caused by 3 different types of fungus:
- Microsporum canis (in the highest percentage)
- Tricophyton mentagrophytese
- Microsporum gypseum.
It mainly affects immunosuppressed (fiv/felv) or debilitated animals.
Animals with compressed coats also seem to be more predisposed due to the difficulty in sanitising them.
Is dermatophytosis contagious?
Dermatophytosis is a highly contagious zoonosis, meaning that it can affect both people and animals.
How is Dermatophytosis transmitted?
Transmission can be through direct contact (sick animals or asymptomatic carriers) or through the environment (hair and shedding).
What are the most common signs of Dermatophytosis?
The presentation of the disease can vary from animal to animal, but in general the most typical presentation is the appearance of circular lesions of alopecia with a red halo of inflammation, which can be accompanied by hyperpigmentation of the skin and pruritus.
The lesions can be focal (just one site) or multifocal, but the spores of the fungus are usually found all over the hair as they are dragged in during the grooming process.
In young kittens, the lesions are typically located on the front paws, muzzle and ears.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis can be difficult as the lesions can easily be confused with other skin diseases. The most reliable test is the DTM (fungal culture): a small portion of hair is removed from the root (plucking or brushing with a sterile brush) and placed in an enriched culture medium and the growth (or not) of the pathological fungi is observed.
The animals are considered cured when three successive negative cultures are obtained with an interval of 15 days between them.
How is Dermatophytosis treated?
Treatment can be local (shampoos and/or antifungal ointments), systemic (oral antifungals) or a combination of the two. As well as treating the animal, it’s important to constantly disinfect spaces and materials that come into contact with the infected animal.
If you have any doubts about whether your animal is a carrier, you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.
See you soon!
Vet.Point – Oeiras Veterinary Clinic
Emergency 24h | 927896112 • 211918923 | geral@vetpoint-ivl.com
