Have you noticed that your dog has circular, hairless areas strewn across his body? In this case, there may be a proliferation of dermatophyte fungi on the dog’s skin, causing dermatophytosis.
Dermatophytosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans and cause the same clinical signs and symptoms. Don’t worry, this disease is curable and the sooner you act and take your dog to the vet, the sooner treatment will begin and your anxiety will end.
- If you want to know more about dermatophytosis.
- Its causes.
- Symptoms and treatment.
- Continue reading this Article of Animal Expert.
Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, is a condition of the most superficial layers of skin that can be caused by several dermatophyte fungi, the most common being:
In general, Mr. Canis is the one that affects dogs the most (70%) cats (98%). In addition to these species, Microsporum canis in humans is also recurrent.
These dermatophyte fungi feed on keratin, a protein that forms various body structures such as nails, skin, hair and hair and adheres to the corneal layer of the skin of various species (dogs, cats, birds and the human being himself). Mushrooms love humid, warm environments to thrive and take advantage of the host’s fragility.
How do the mushrooms appear on the dog’s skin? Contagion occurs when the dog comes into direct contact with another animal (dog, cat, bird) or an infected person. There is also the possibility of becoming infected if it has been in contact with an environment or places contaminated with spores (produced by the fungus) or with contaminated fomites (brushes, combs and animal beds).
When the animal is stressed or immunity weakened (because it is very young, old or sick), or undergoes corticosteroid treatment, the skin becomes more fragile and susceptible to infection. This is where the fungus is opportunistic and begins to reproduce, feeding on the animal’s keratin.
At this point the symptoms of dermatophytosis begin to appear in dogs, which we will tell you below.
As we have already learned, dermatophyte fungi feed on the components of the skin and cause the skin to fall out. In addition, fungal spores enter the skin and take the place of the hair follicle and destroy the present keratin, causing hair loss.
This hair loss results in alopecia (hairless areas) so you see your hairless dog in one or more areas of the body. Generally, these alopecias are smooth and circular with a red ring of inflammation, as fungi have a radial growth.
Fungi can also change skin tone and darken, causing the skin to hyperpigally.
Unlike humans, dermatophytosis in dogs does not always cause itching (itching) and therefore you won’t necessarily notice that your dog is scratching.
Diagnosis is made by the veterinarian. Although injuries are very characteristic, there are other causes or diseases that can cause these injuries and need to be treated.
The veterinarian will ask some basic questions for diagnosis
Shortly thereafter, the veterinarian will examine the animal and observe the lesions.
Additional tests are required to obtain a definitive diagnosis, such as:
Although it is a self-limiting disease, which resolves itself, it is advisable to start the treatment of canine dermatophytosis as soon as possible, as it is highly contagious between humans and animals.
It is important for the tutor to know that topical and/or systemic treatment takes a long time, requiring at least 4 weeks. In addition, there are no immediate results, but do not be discouraged, if you follow all the instructions of the veterinarian, you will be able to take care of your pet.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read articles similar to Dermatophytosis in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you visit our skin problems section.