Clinical Response to Anti-Fungal Therapy in Dogs Affected with Malasseziasis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.3.10Keywords:
Antifungal therapy, Canine malasseziasis, Cytology, Epidemiology, Malassezia pachydermatis.Abstract
Canine malassezia is an important opportunistic yeast dermatitis commonly associated with underlying dermatological and systemic disorders. The present investigation was undertaken to know the prevalence, epidemiological factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, haemato-biochemical alterations and therapeutic response in dogs affected with malasseziasis. During a six-month study period, 2764 dogs presented with dermatological conditions were screened, of which 515 dogs (18.63%) were confirmed positive for Malassezia pachydermatis. Higher prevalence was recorded in dogs aged 4-8 years (31.36%), males (62.91%) and Labrador Retrievers (13.98%). Malasseziasis was frequently associated with ectoparasitic infestation (33.3%), pyoderma (23.8%) and demodicosis (20.0%). Predominant clinical signs included pruritus, alopecia, erythema, hyperpigmentation and offensive odour. Tape impression cytology proved to be the most sensitive diagnostic method (86.79%). Twenty affected dogs were divided into two equal groups and were subjected to antifungal therapy tablet ketoconazole (Gr I) and itraconazole (Gr II) @ 5 mg/kg b.wt. for 30 days along with tablet cephalexin @ 15 mg/kg b.wt., liver protectant and haematinic syrup for three weeks, and evaluated for haemato-biochemical changes. The improvement was seen in both the groups, but the liver enzymes were elevated in the group I with ketoconazole. Significant improvement in clinical signs and normalization of haematological parameters were observed following treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy for effective management of canine malasseziasis.
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