FUNGAL DERMATITIS INFECTION OF MALASSEZIA SPP. IN MIXED BREED DOG

Abstract

Malassezia dermatitis is a skin disease caused by fungi of Malassezia spp. that can be superficial and systemic with local or generalised lesions. The purpose of this report is to diagnose and determine the therapeutic success of dermatitis caused by Malassezia spp. fungal infection systemically with generalised and chronic lesions. An 8-year-old mixed breed dog weighing 6.41 kg was examined at the Veterinary Internal Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University with complaints of itching and hair baldness. Clinical examination found generalised alopecia with thickening of the skin, hyperpigmentation on the neck and dorsal region of the body, erythema and papules on the abdominal flank and caudal extremity of the lateral femoral, and scale on the head area. Cytological examination of the skin taken by impression smear found the fungal agent Malassezia spp. Routine haematological examination showed that the dog had lymphocytosis, and hypochromic normocytic anaemia. Based on anamnesis, physical examination, and supporting examination, the dog was diagnosed with dermatitis caused by a Malassezia spp. fungal infection with a fausta prognosis. The dog was treated with oral ketoconazole, chlorpheniramine maleate, fish oil, sebasol shampoo, and dryfood (Dograng classic®). The results of therapy on the 28th day showed that the dog's condition was getting better as indicated by significant hair growth. Therefore, to avoid recurrent infections owners need to avoid keeping their dogs in damp places and stop using human shampoos and dish soaps to bathe their dogs as they can affect the pH of the skin, triggering fungal growth.