A Clinico-Microbiological and In-vitro Sensitivity study of Canine Malassezia pachydermatitis

Eight dogs were presented with dermatological disorders and screened for presence of Malassezia pachydermatitis on the basis of clinical signs, microscopic and cultural examination. The highest percentage of dogs with Malassezia pachydermatitis were seen in age group of two to eight years with German shepherds as the most frequently affected breed followed by Labrador retrievers. The most common clinical signs recorded were moderate to intense pruritus in dogs (100%), erythematous lesions at ventral neck, axilla region in 4 dogs (50%), seborrhea in 3 dogs (37.5%), alopecia in 6 dogs (75%), musty odor in 2 dogs (25%), hyper pigmentation of skin and ears in 3 dogs (37.5%), 2 dogs (25%) respectively and lichenification resembling elephant like skin in one dog (12.5%). Microscopic examination of new methylene blue stained smears revealed dark blue colored, foot print shaped or peanut shaped Malassezia pachydermatitis organisms. In vitro anti fungal sensitivity against Malassezia pachydermatitis revealed, highest sensitivity towards Ketoconazole (100%) followed by Clotrimazole (25%), Nystatin (12.5%) and resistant to Amphotericin.