DERMATOPHYTOSIS BY MICROSPORUM CANIS IN A YORKSHIRE TERRIER – CASE REPORT

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is a disease caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton fungi, which have similar morphological and physiological characteristics, being responsible for infecting cornified structures such as nails, hair and skin, both in animals and humans. Diagnosis can be made using Wood's lamp, skin scraping and fungal culture. The treatment is carried out in three ways: topical therapy by therapeutic baths, systemic therapy by oral medication and cleaning of the environment. This work aims to report the occurrence of a case of chronic dermatophytosis with relapses in a Yorkshire Terrier dog. On May 21, 2022, the owner took his pet to the clinic, complaining of chronic skin lesions, he had already been to other veterinary clinics that prescribed topical and oral therapy, but the lesions always returned. On the day of the consultation, the animal presented alopecic lesions with crusts and hair pulling from their edges, characteristic signs of dermatophytosis. After carrying out a blood count and biochemistry to evaluate the animal's organism, treatment with itraconazole, omeprazole, Pelo&Derme®, Hepvet® and CetodineShampoo® was prescribed, showing significant improvement after one month of treatment, continuing with the therapy for a few more months until complete remission. These fungi are geophilic and can survive for up to 18 months in the environment, promoting the recurrences observed in this work. Depending on the characteristics of the fungus, the animal or the environment, this disease can be self-limiting or become a chronic lesion where treatment can last from months to years.