Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis is a contagious fungal disease of the hair follicle and stratum corneum. Young or immunocompromised animals are most commonly affected. The clinical presentation is highly variable; a typical lesion consists of circular alopecia with scaling at the margins. Remaining hairs appear broken and are often matted. Other signs may include papules, crusts, seborrhea, erythema, paronychia, or onychodystrophy affecting one or more digits. When pruritus is present, it is usually mild. Dermatophytosis is a zoonotic disease, and people with compromised immunity are most commonly affected.

Treatment

Diagnosis is established using Wood's lamp examination, direct microscopic examination of hairs, and isolation of the causative organism on appropriate culture media. Systemic and topical antifungal medications are used for treatment.

Dermatophytosis. Alopecia and scales on the face.

Dermatophytosis. Generalized alopecia.

Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.

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