"Dog skin fungus and the different species of fungus can cause Integumentary (skin) infections. These may be from the Microsporum & Trichophyton species, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Actinomyces vicosus and Cryptococcus neoformans. Canine skin fungus may cause a number of dermal (skin) infections. Some of them are localized (in one area) while most of them develop into generalize forms (spread over the body). Signs of these conditions vary by fungus specie. Diagnosis is usually based upon the signs, symptoms, history and with microscopic examination of the affected tissues or extracted fungal tissues & spores. Treatment is based upon the diagnosis and selection of anti fungal drugs along with care and management of the condition."
Colonies of different fungus species can cause localized or generalized forms of disease in dogs. As far as the Integumentary system (skin) or problems related to the skin is concerned, four species are of most concern:
For different conditions caused by dog skin fungus, it is necessary to check with the dog owner for a history of trauma or injury. Moreover clinical signs may represent the presence of a particular specie of fungus.
Culturing of fungus, collected from skin lesions, crusts or respiratory exudates is the only option to confirm a specie of fungus which is causing systemic or localized flungus prproblem in dogs.
Systemic affection of these species towards different organs and types of tissues is also helpful in identifying and differentiating ththese sspecies and infections. Skin lesions representing signs of cryptococcosis will also show signs of lameness, cough and a nervous system problem such as coordination. Similarly, granular skin lesions in dogs will also show some respiratory system involvement as well, indicating actinomycosis.
Use of anti–fungal drugs and management of symptoms caused by the dog skin fungus are both parts of any treatment plan.
Different anti–fungal drugs can be used for different species of canine skin fungus.
Flucanozole with a dose of 2 – 10 mg/Kg/day or itraconazole at 10 mg/Kg/day is the drug of choice for cryptococcosis. Amphotericin is an alternative anti-fungal that may be used diluted 0.45% to 500ml of normal saline solution, administered every 2nd – 3rd weeks until recovery is achieved. It is also effective on the Cryptococcus species.
For Dermatophytosis or ring worm disease, shampooing using a product
such as
Espree Natural
, followed by
a
rinse are effective. A rinse with enilconazole is very effective on
microsporum species. Similarly griseofulvin can be used in dogs with
dose rate of 25 – 100 mg/Kg as collective or divided doses, depending
upon severity of fungal infection are very effective. Rinsing and
administration of drugs should be continued at least 3 weeks or until a
“negative brush scrapings test is passed.
M. C Sharma, et all. Dogs: Breeding, Nutrition & Health Management (C.B.S Publishers, India. 2005 Revised Edition)