CHAPTER 17 Fungal Infections
Cutaneous Fungal Infections
Dermatophytes
TABLE 17-1 Dermatophytes isolated from dogs and cats
Most common | |
---|---|
Microsporum | Most common isolate |
Microsporum gypseum | Generally from soil contact |
Trichophyton mentagrophytes | Soil contact |
Less common | |
---|---|
Microsporum persicolor | Sylvatic form |
Microsporum fulvum | Rare |
Microsporum audouinii | Rare |
Trichophyton rubrum | Rare |
Diagnosis
Fungal culture
Treatment
Systemic treatment
Systemic therapy of dermatophytosis is used to hasten resolution of infection. Several drugs have been shown effective in the treatment of dermatophytosis. The appropriate choice for treatment is based on fungal species present, patient species involved, age and size of the patient involved, possible adverse effects and toxicity, and cost. Dogs and cats with multifocal lesions, all long-haired animals, and those in multianimal situations are candidates for systemic antifungal treatment. Animals nonresponsive following 2 to 4 weeks of topical therapy should also be considered for systemic treatment. See Box 17-2 for dermatophyte treatment summary. Itraconazole is currently the systemic treatment of choice for dermatophytosis in dogs and cats. Griseofulvin and ketoconazole both have significant issues of safety and efficacy. Box 17-3 and Table 17-2 list systemic fungal medications and antifungal drug dosages.
BOX 17-2 Current dermatophyte treatment summary