Dermatophytosis in a dog with hypercortisolism: Case report

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is an infectious disease caused mainly by the fungi Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes that usually affect the superficial layer of the skin. It is an anthropozoonosis and has variable clinical signs such as alopecia, erythema, dyskeratinization and pruritus, which is present in only 50% of cases. For the diagnosis, several complementary tests can be used, such as a wood lamp together with cytological examination of the skin, direct examination of the hair and fungal culture. In this report, a female Yorkshire canine had a history of persistent infection despite the recommended topical and systemic therapy. Physical examination revealed alopecia and hypotrichosis in the nasal bridge, edges of the outer ears and phalanges region, in addition to increased abdominal volume with telangiectasia. In the cytological evaluation, structures compatible with fungal arthroconidia and hyphae were observed, the wood lamp examination also showed fluorescence, and hairs were also collected for culture. Treatment with itraconazole was started, but there was a recurrence after stopping the use of the antifungal. Hormonal tests were performed and hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) was detected. Thus, the use of trilostane together with the antifungal was started, with a significant improvement in the clinical picture and, after treatment, no fungal elements were found in the cytology and fungal culture.