Fungal Dermatoses in Canines: Integrating Cytology, Epidemiological Pattern and Therapeutic Response
Abhishek Bansal
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Haryana, 134003, India.
Pardeep Sharma
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh-176062, India.
Tyson
*
Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Canine dermatological disorders commonly involve fungal pathogens such as dermatophytes and Malassezia, with potential zoonotic implications. Their prevalence varies with environmental and host factors, remaining a significant concern in clinical practice.
Aims: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological patterns, clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of fungal dermatitis in canine.
Study Design: Prospective observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: Veterinary Clinical Complex, DGCN, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (H.P.), from February 2021 to April 2022.
Methodology: Forty dogs presenting with dermatological signs suggestive of fungal infection underwent detailed clinical examination, including lesion distribution and its nature. Diagnostic confirmation involved lesion-specific cytology (tape impressions, glass slide impressions, and wet swabs stained with Giemsa) and Wood’s lamp examination performed in a dark room after pre-warming the lamp. Therapeutic management consisted of oral ketoconazole combined with topical antifungal therapy until clinical resolution was achieved. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics only (percentages); no inferential statistical analysis or hypothesis testing was conducted.
Results: Pruritus (75%), alopecia (62.5%), scaling (60%), and erythema (37.5%) were the predominant clinical signs. German Shepherds (22.5%) and mongrels (20%) were most commonly affected, with males (67.5%) over-represented. Sixty percent of cases occurred during the monsoon season. Cytology revealed Malassezia pachydermatis (10–20 organisms/HPF) in 27 dogs (67.5%), while Wood’s lamp fluorescence was noted in 13 dogs (32.5%). All 40 dogs achieved complete clinical and cytological resolution by day 28 with combined systemic and topical antifungal therapy.
Conclusion: Lesion-tailored cytology served as a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for canine fungal dermatitis, predominantly driven by Malassezia. Combined oral ketoconazole and topical therapy resulted in complete resolution within 4 weeks. This study is limited by its single-centre design and reliance exclusively on cytological diagnosis.
Keywords: Fungal dermatitis, Malassezia pachydermatis, antifungal therapy, cytological diagnosis