Successful management of dermatological disorder due to Microsporum canis in a persian cat

Abstract

Feline dermatophytosis is caused by superficial fungal infection of keratinized cutaneous structures in cats. Microsporum canis is the most common and important cause of dermatophytosis in cats, due to its pathogenicity and significant zoonotic potential. A persian cat was presented with history of almost complete alopecia, pruritis and crusting. The cat initially had localised patchy alopecia and was treated previously for the past 6 months with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory ointments. There was no improvement and gradual worsening of the condition was evident. Dermatological examination, revealed alopecia with sparse hair on extremities, crusting, scaling and intense pruritis. Other vitals were normal. Routine diagnostic examinations such as skin scrapings, coat brushings and trichogram revealed no abnormalities while Wood’s lamp examination revealed apple green fluorescence. Hematological and Serum Biochemical examination revealed mild leucocytosis with mild neutrophilia. Fungal culture with hair pluck revealed Microsporum canis. The cat was diagnosed to have dermatophytosis due to M. canis. Treatment was started on itraconazole orally (@ 5 mg/kg once daily) on a “week on – week off” basis along with oral and topical supportive medications. The cat showed improvement from 3rd week and hair coat showed remarkable improvement in 12 weeks.