COINFECTION OF DEMODEX MANGE AND MALASSEZIA FUNGI ON THE SKIN OF CROSSBREED BALINESE DOG

Abstract

Demodecosis and Malasseziosis are skin diseases caused by external infectious agents. Demodecosis is caused by the mite Demodex sp. Malasseziosis is caused by the fungus Malassezia sp. The purpose of this case report is to add information on cases of demodicosis and malasseziosis in Balinese breed dogs. A dog came to the Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of VeterinaryMedicine, Udayana University with complaints of itching and hair loss for the last three months. On clinical examination, secondary lesions in the form of scales, crusts, lichenification, hyperpigmentation and alopecia on the abdomen, forelegs and hind legs as well as on the ears and face with alopecia, lichenification and hyperpigmentation were found. Complete blood count resulted on hypochromic normocytic anemia, leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Examination of skin scrapings using the deep skin scrapping method showed the presence of Demodex sp mites. On microscopic examination of the tape smear found colonies of Malassezia sp. Based on these findings, the dog was diagnosed with demodecosis and malasseziosis with a good prognosis. The therapy given was causative therapy with diluted amitraz, dose of 1 ml: 100 ml for 30 days, ketoconazole (10 mg/kg, q.12 hours, orally) twice a day for 30 days with evaluation every 14 days. Supportive therapywith Sangobion® one tablet per day orally for seven days, cetirizine (10 mg/kg, q.24 hr, orally) for seven days, symptomatic treatment with cephalexine (30 mg/kg, q.24 hr, orally)for seven days and giving fish oil 500 mg/day at a dose of one capsule per day for 30 days.After being given therapy for 30 days, the case dogs showed improvement in the form of hair growth at the lesion site, crusting, pruritus, reduced lichenification, hyperpigmentationand no scale was found also negative result on final deep skin scraping evaluation. Suggestions that can be given are that the owner bathes the dog regularly, disinfects the dog's environment by spraying a diluted solution of cypermethrin or amitraz and gives fish oil every day so that it helps maintain healthy skin and hair.