Condition

There are two known skin conditions which have the characteristic of skin rashes in pets. These are the Malassezia pachydermatis and Papulonodular dermatoses. Let’s take a closer look at these disease and know it’s corresponding conditions, diagnosis, and treatments.

Malassezia pachydermatis

Malassezia pachydermatis is yeast that is usually located on the skin of most cats and dogs. Once the yeast settles in, it normally results to a few health problems. Sometimes Malassezia can multiply and grow in unexpected numbers.

Malassezia initially starts in the rectum, anal sacs, vagina, and ear canals of fit dogs and cats. This condition can cause disease infections which can affect all breeds and ages of dogs but are rare in cats. Dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, West Highland White Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Poodles have greater risks of acquiring Malassezia infections.

When the skin’s immune system is made vulnerable by certain hereditary or infectious disease, Malassezia infection can set in. A pet’s health condition including seborrhea, bacterial infection, or allergy can cause skin irritation which can allow Malassezia infection to start. The above mentioned breeds of dogs have weak immune systems which have a particular T lymphocyte cell. This type of cell helps control Malassezia.

Papulonodular dermatoses

Papulonodular dermatoses refer the cluster of skin condition with symptoms of bump-like, solid lesions on the skin. These lesions are filled with fluid and inflammatory cells. Papules is the term for the small bumps that form on the outer layers of the skin while nodules are those which are larger in size and probe deep into the layers of the skin. The lesions referred to in this two skin disorders is what describes “papulonodular”. Both dogs and cats can acquire this skin condition.

Papulonodular dermatoses have a variety of causes. It may either be by associated structures within the skin or skin inflammation due to any disease. Other causes of Papulonodular dermatoses include excessive skin exposures, bacterial or fungal infection, or parasites.

Symptoms

Malassezia pachydermatis

It is during the high-humid summer months up to fall in which symptoms of Malassezia infections begin to appear. Skin irritation and itchiness is the most common characteristic with this infection. The pet may further damage the skin through persistent scratching. While Malassezia may be generalized in its infection, it may also be localized in the anal area, muzzle, ear, or toes. In generalized infection, the pet might develop scaly, oily skin which can also have a greasy and offensive smell. When the infection affects the muzzle, the pet have the tendency to have occasional intense scratching or persistently rub their face. Licking is often associated with infection on their toes. Other signs include thickening of the skin, redness, hair loss and hyperpigmentation.

In Malassezia infection, pets have the dilemma of ear problems. This is because the infection creates an environment where yeast may initially grow. This happens when this condition is couples with bacterial infection or allergies which create changes in the ear canal. The pet may appear to be scratching his ears too much or persistently shaking his head.

Papulonodular dermatoses

Clinical signs of papules and nodules on papulonodular dermatoses are quite similar. Depending on the underlying disease progression, skin abnormalities or signs may differ. Common characteristics include skin redness, abnormal pigmentation, hair loss, and crusting.

Diagnosis

Malassezia pachydermatis

A clear and positive identification of the organism through a microscope is the basic procedure to diagnose Malassezia. The veterinarian gets a sample of the organism through sticking a microscope slide into the affected area. The sample appears to be oily and sticky when physically examined. A cotton swab collection of the sample or scraping the affected areas is also a procedure which the veterinary can do to examine the organism.

But since Malassezia usually resides in normal skin, the tests always present a doubt if it is truly the causative factor of the resulting witness. Because of this, veterinarians diagnose the condition by confirming treatment responses by the pet patient.

It is essential that other skin conditions should be ruled out before initial diagnosis of Malassezia is properly rendered. Conditions such as skin infections, reactions to medications, atopy, and contact allergies may all have signs and symptoms. The main objective is to know whether Malassezia is the primary skin problem or is a secondary cause to an underlying condition. Either way, the yeast infection should be emptied out.

However yeast infections are not contagious. But recurring infections especially with underlying allergies are not totally treated.

Papulonodular dermatoses

Physical examination and previous medical history are the main procedures in diagnosing Papulonodular dermatoses. The sooner the veterinarian determines the underlying cause, the better it is for him to prescribe appropriate and immediate treatment. Dermatologic examinations can visualize the presence of nodules and papules. However, the said signs and symptoms can be from the underlying conditions.

Parasitic infections can be identified through skin scrapings made by the veterinarian. Cultures of bacteria or fungus can also be performed. Laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests can also help in identifying the skin lesions and their specific causes. If all these procedures fail at arriving a definitive diagnosis, skin biopsies can be done by medical professionals.

Treatment

Malassezia pachydermatis

There are several approaches in treating Malassezia. The underlying condition must be immediately and adequately treated to have a long-term effect to the problem. The same procedures should be conducted whether it be seborrhea, bacterial infection, or allergy.

To remove lipids from the skin is to create an unsuitable environment for growth of Malassezia. Shampoos that have Chlorhexidine concentration of 1% or stronger or benzoyl peroxide and sulfur containing shampoos can do the trick. Selsun Blue shampoo has become a popular treatment in going against Malassezia in pets. Side effects come in the form of irritations. Ketoconazole containing human shampoos can also be used.

Apply miconazole cream twice a day for several weeks in treating very small localized areas.

In severe cases, conditions have the tendency to be more resistant to topical treatments. When this happens, itraconazole or oral ketoconazole can be proceeded with for several weeks. Within 1-2 weeks, results can be perceived. But therapy should continue in the next 3-5 weeks. Although these oral antifungal drugs have been proven effective, toxic side effects may be felt. Therefore, these can only be administered under direct supervision of the veterinarian.

Cleaning the ears of your pets for twice a day can help in avoiding ear infections caused by Malassezia. The yeast cannot grow at certain pH levels which can be maintained through using ear cleaners with acetic or boric acids. After cleaning, topical medications can be applied.

Papulonodular dermatoses

The core of treating Papulonodular dermatoses is to control, if not eliminate, the underlying cause. Papulonodular dermatoses cases can be treated outside the hospital. Appropriate treatments such as special shampoos, medications to control skin parasites, antibiotics, antifungal medications, and sunscreens can be prescribed by the animal doctor. Aside from these medications, nutrition is an important factor to consider in treating the underlying conditions.