MALASSEZIA FUNGAL DERMATITIS AND RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS TICK INFESTATION IN MIXED BREED DOGS

Abstract

Dermatitis is the most common skin health problem in dogs whose causative agents are parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral infections. The purpose of this paper is to diagnose and determine the success of dermatitis therapy due to Malassezia spp fungal infection and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation. A 7-month-old mixed breed dog weighing 4.5 kg was examined with complaints of itching and hair baldness. Clinical examination revealed alopecia on the face, chin, body and legs, scale on the head, papules on the abdomen, erythema on the cranial and caudal extremities with oily, rancid skin and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on the hind legs. The results of cytological examination of skin taken by impression smear found the presence of Malassezia fungal agents. The results of the examination using the antibody kit showed negative results. Routine hematology examination showed the case dog had lymphocytosis and hyperchromic macrocytic anemia. Based on the history, physical examination, and supporting examination, the case dog was diagnosed with Malassezia fungal dermatitis and tick infestation with a prognosis of fausta.The therapy given was oral itraconazole, loratadine, fish oil, sebasol shampoo and multivitamin (sakatonic active). The results of therapy observed on day 14 showed that the condition of the case dog began to improve, characterized by a reduced scratching reaction, reduced scale, erythema, and papules, and superficial skin that was initially oily and rancid smelling had also begun to decrease.  The case dog's hair has grown on the head, abdomen and legs. Therefore, to avoid recurrent infections, owners need to avoid keeping the animal in a humid place and keep the animal's body clean as favorable conditions can trigger recurrent events, as well as reduce direct contact with stray dogs to prevent ticks.