Malassezia Dermatitis In Dogs

Malassezia dermatitis is a fungal disease affecting the skin. The condition usually occurs throughout the years in Malaysia

In dogs, the yeast causing the condition is Malassezia pachydermatis. Other texts may call the organism Pityrosporum pachydermatis or Pityrosporum canis. M. pachydermatis is present as a commensal organism on the skin and within the gastrointestinal of tract of a healthy animal but can exploit an underlying condition causing secondary infections. This type of organism is a facultative pathogen.

Conditions that may give rise to a dog developing Malassezia include allergies, chronic skin disease, Staphylococcus intermedius skin infection and treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids.

Certain breeds are particularly prone to developing this infection. Such breeds as Australian Terriers, Basset Hounds, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Maltese Terriers, Newfoundland dogs, Poodles, Silky Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Springer Spaniels and West Highland Terriers all run a higher risk of developing the condition.  

A dog with malassezia may exhibit a number of different signs. Alopecia (hair loss), erythema (red skin), lichenification (skin thickening), pruritis (itching), greasy coat, hyperpigmentation (darker skin) and scaly skin are all possible signs of the condition. Dogs with this type of infection sometimes exude an unpleasant smell.

Some dogs have only a local infection affecting only one part of the body. Others have a multifocal infection with a number of patches of infection. Generalised infections, which cover much of the dog’s body, also occur. The most common sites of infection are the abdomen, axillae, ear pinnae, face, feet, front legs and skin folds of the dog. 

A qualified veterinarian can provide a diagnosis of cases of this type of dermatitis and should be consulted to ensure successful treatment. The veterinarian diagnoses malassezia by the microscopic analysis of skin scrapings from the affected areas. This reveals characteristic, oval shaped, yeast cells, which stain blue with the Dif Quik® stain. 

The condition requires several weeks of treatment. Treatment of any underlying condition is important to prevent any recurrence of malassezia dermatitis.

Many cases respond to an antifungal shampoo combined with a skin degreaser provides a topical treatment. Shampoos containing 1% chlorhexidine or sulfur with benzoyl peroxide are suitable. The shampoo Selsun Blue® has also been successful as a treatment.

If only a small area of skin is affected, the topical antifungal ointment Miconazole provides a suitable treatment regime. 

If a dog’s ears are infected, they require regular cleaning using an acidic cleaning solution containing either acetic acid or boric acid. . Once clean and dry the application of a topical preparation containing nystatin, thiabendazole or clomitrazole helps kill the infecting yeast. 

Some severe infection and those tat fail to respond to the above treatments require the use of the oral antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole. Treatment takes several weeks and owing to potentially serious side effects requires veterinary supervision.

Whatever it is, If your dog develop similiar symptoms, do consult a qualified Veterinarian for a proper treatment and discuss further complication that may arise from this condition such as Otitis externa and Aural hematoma. Do not initiate treatment without permission from a qualified veterinarian.

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