Malassezia is a type of fungus that usually inhabits the skin of dogs and cats without causing any problems. This microorganism usually lives on the skin, ear canals, and mucous membranes (oral, vaginal). In normal situations, this fungus refers to other bacteria that occur naturally in dogs and cats. The problem arises when there is an abnormal growth of this fungus that, when over multiplying, causes a large inflammation of the dog’s skin.
This is the abnormal growth of the fungus malassezia in the cat that will tell you Animal Expert. So you can understand everything about this disease, its symptoms, its diagnosis and its treatment. Read!
- There are several fungus of the genus Malassezia that have already been isolated from the skin.
- Mucous membranes and ear canals of cats.
- Namely Mr sympodialis.
- Mr.
- Globosa.
- Mr Furfur and Mr Nana.
- However.
- The most common species that causes problems in cats is undoubtedly Mallasezia pachydermatis.
Unlike malassezia in dogs, malassezia in cats is much less common. However, it exists and you have to pay attention to it. This disease is usually associated with other serious diseases in cats, namely:
Some cats, such as sphynx and devon rex, naturally have more Malassezia spp fungi. compared to other races. These breeds have an exaggerated fatty exudate on the skin and legs, a condition that favors the growth of this type of fungi. If you have a cat of any of these breeds, you should wash it periodically every 7 to 14 days to remove this excess fat from the body, legs and ears.
As already mentioned, fungus of the genus Malassezia usually inhabit the ear canals of domestic cats. However, in the case of abnormal proliferation of this fungus in this region, ear infections due to malassezie may occur.
According to some studies, the auditory region is the area most frequently affected by the presence of this fungus in cats. 95% of cats with external otitis have a Malassezia infection, whether it is the main cause or has been presented as secondary to other causes. Malassezia mushrooms are opportunistic and take advantage of other infections or problems of the dog’s immune system to reproduce on a large scale.
The most common symptoms of otitis by malassezia in cats are
Learn more about cat otitis in our full article on this topic.
In the case of generalized Malassezia in cats, the only symptom they may present is an excess of grooming, i.e. excessive hair care. If your cat has a widespread infection with malassezia, you will see that it is constantly cleaned.
Other symptoms of malassezie in cats include
Since, as mentioned above, malassezia in cats is usually associated with other serious diseases, it is normal for your veterinarian to request several tests to arrive at a diagnosis. That is, a blood, biochemical and urine test.
Skin cytology and subsequent microscopic observation are the most common method used by the veterinarian to observe the amount of malassezia fungi present. If there is a small amount of these fungi, it is not considered a disease because their existence is normal. However, if the number of malassezia fungi observed under a microscope is high, this strongly suggests excessive proliferation.
In addition, it may be necessary to grow a crop, i.e. take a skin sample and cultivate the microorganisms in an appropriate environment.
To determine exactly which Species of Malassezia are involved, PCR may still be necessary.
To determine the underlying cause of abnormal growth of malassezia spp, the veterinarian may also need to help with other tests such as x-rays, allergy tests, Fiv and Felv tests, and elimination regimens.
The most effective treatment for malassezia in cats is topical therapy. That is, shampoos, creams and sprays. The specific treatment depends a lot on one cat to another. It is common to take two baths a week with antifungal shampoos for 4 to 6 weeks.
If malassezie is secondary to a bacterial infection, your cat should take an antibiotic. Your veterinarian may choose a broad-spectrum antibiotic or the one you think is most appropriate.
Severe cases of malassezia may require very potent antifungals
Se o seu gato tem uma malassezia consequente a qualquer das doenças que referimos antes, como tumores, doenças que alterem o sistema imunológico dele, etc, você vai precisar fazer o tratamento que o seu médico veterinário prescrever para o problema em questão.
Este artigo é meramente informativo, no Animal Expert.com.br não temos capacidade para receitar tratamentos veterinários nem realizar nenhum tipo de diagnóstico. Sugerimos-lhe que leve o seu animal de estimação ao veterinário no caso de apresentar qualquer tipo de condição ou mal-estar.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Skin Problems section.