Fungus in dogs: types of mycoses and a list of drugs for the treatment of fungal diseases in dogs

Dogs frequently get fungal infections, or mycoses, which can harm their skin, coat, and even internal organs. These infections are frequently brought on by various fungi that prefer warm, humid conditions, which puts dogs with compromised immune systems at risk.

Dogs can suffer from a variety of fungal infections, from minor skin disorders to more serious systemic infections. While some skin fungi, like ringworm, are extremely contagious, others, like yeast infections, frequently arise as a result of underlying medical conditions.

Fortunately, fungus-related diseases in dogs can be effectively managed and cured with a variety of treatment options. These include oral medications, creams, and shampoos with antifungal properties that can specifically target the fungus causing the issue. Early detection of the type of fungus and prompt treatment can help your dog heal more quickly and avoid more complications.

Types of mycoses and their localization

Fungal infections result in lesions of the internal organs, mucous membranes, and skin. Dogs can develop lichen, a condition that even non-specialists are aware of. Name in science: dermatoses. Dogs may also develop the following mycoses in addition to lichen:

• Aspergillosis;
• Blastomycosis;
• Candidiasis;
• Malassezia.

Dermatomycosis

Micromycetes Microsporum and Trichophyton are pathogens. They can survive for years on a dog’s surface and become active when immunity is weakened by stress, other illnesses, or poor housing and nutrition. Warmth and moisture are ideal for the development of micromycetes. Dogs who have messy, matted fur that is tangled are therefore vulnerable.

Bald patches that appear on the body, paws, and muzzle signal the start of the pathological process. The dog scratches itself and the skin peels and itches. Dermatitis appears as a result of secondary microflora being seeded onto the injured surface. Falling scaly forms that are carried by the winds endanger both humans and animals that are easily harmed.

Fungus on the skin leads to its coarsening, ichor oozes out, crusts form, pyoderma develops.

When treatment is given incorrectly or not at all, the lesions combine and spread throughout the body.

Aspergillosis

The ubiquitous mold fungi are the cause of the disease. Canines with compromised immune systems, nasal tumors, or wounds caused by foreign body intrusion are vulnerable. There is a generalized form of aspergillosis in German shepherds and a localized form that primarily affects young dogs of short-muzzled breeds.

Mold fungi parasitize the sinuses of the upper jaw and the nasal cavity in cases of localized mycosis. Antibiotic therapy has no effect on the developing rhinitis.

The brain and spinal cord are impacted in the generalized form, leading to neurological symptoms like paralysis. Urine contains blood if the mold has gotten inside the kidneys.

Blastomycosis

The fungus that thrives in decaying leaves is the cause of the illness. Dogs breathe in the mycelium, which goes into their lungs and turns into yeast. The infection causes pneumonia, osteomyelitis, arthritis, and visual damage when it enters the bloodstream. The illness is fatal most of the time and is very difficult to treat. When it gets on damaged skin, it causes mild dermatitis that goes away completely. Gardeners who handle soil can contract the disease. The illness has symptoms similar to those of pneumonia or the flu.

Candidosis

As a result of dysbiosis brought on by stress, long-term antibiotic use, or corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medication use, Candida fungi start to actively reproduce. Since bacteria are fungi’s natural rivals, they proliferate. Thrush is the second name for the illness, as it is caused by a mass of fungi that looks like milk and develops on the mucous membranes. Only with the use of laboratory diagnostics can candidiasis be differentiated from other fungal diseases when it affects the skin.

The following tissues and organs are impacted by candidiasis:

• skin;
• mouth;
• vagina;
• conjunctiva.

Malassezia

Dog skin is permanently colonized by yeast fungi of the genus Malassezia, which shield it from staphylococci. The dermatitis-causing micromycetes actively grow when their natural competitors perish or become weaker. Malasseziosis has the following distinct causes:

1. Side effects of steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
2. Improper grooming. Malassezia love moisture and warmth. Therefore, he feels good in the doughs or dense wool. Frequent bathing with degreasing shampoos destroys the compounds that protect hair and skin from adverse environmental factors and pathogens. Yeast loves clean, damp skin and fur.
3. Unbalanced nutrition: a deficiency or excess of vitamins, microelements and amino acids leads to metabolic disorders, weakening of the immune system.
4. Heat and humidity in the room. The dog does not have sweat glands. Therefore, ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungi are created under the fur.
5. Concomitant skin diseases. The dog licks inflamed areas. Moisturizing the fur improves the conditions for the reproduction of fungi.

Affected areas include the folds of skin, lips, the inside surface of the ear, claws, and the spaces between the toes.

The following pathological symptoms define malassezia:

• the skin smells like dog;
• fungus develops on the paws, while the nails acquire a brown color, become brittle;
• brownish discharge is found in the ear canals;
• the skin thickens, looks moist, oily, acquires a reddish tint;
• pathological lesions spread throughout the body.

Dog breeds that are predisposed include the following:

• Bassetts;
• Boxers
• British Setters;
• Cocker Spaniels;
• German Shepherds;
• Poodles;
• Dachshunds;
• Shih Tzu.

A sick dog does not spread malassezia to humans or other family members.

Causes and routes of infection

Dogs with compromised immune systems can develop mycoses. Fungal disease pathogens are common. Fungi such as Malassezia, Microsporum, or Trichophyton can coexist peacefully and for years on the surfaces of dogs without harming them. However, micromycetes become active, proliferate, and harm mucous membranes and skin when the body’s defenses are compromised.

Malassezia cannot be spread to people or other dogs.

Dogs, people, and other animals with compromised immune systems can contract Microsporum and Trichophyton fungi through direct contact. Pathogens that cause aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and candidiasis do not spread from person to person. However, since the pathogen opens the door to infections that are harmful to both humans and animals, I do not recommend treating a sick pet carelessly. Damage to the eyes or skin that has lost its integrity is a possibility.

Diagnostics

In a clinic, I do not recommend treating without a diagnosis. A veterinarian uses the gathered anamnesis and clinical symptoms to determine the preliminary cause of the illness. A fungal infection is indicated by green fluorescence when illuminated with a Wood’s lamp.

For cytological analysis and bacteriological culture, a sample of pathological material is obtained. Do a rhinoscopy if the respiratory tract is impacted. An X-ray is advised if a pathological process in the bone tissue is suspected.

Leave out otodectosis, pink lichen, and eczema.

Mycoses, or fungal infections in dogs, can cause anything from minor skin rashes to life-threatening conditions affecting the internal organs. Ringworm, yeast infections, and systemic fungi such as blastomycosis are common types. Antifungal medications—which can include creams, shampoos, or oral medications like itraconazole or ketoconazole—are frequently needed to treat these infections quickly. For a dog to recover quickly and avoid complications, early detection and treatment are essential.

How to treat fungal diseases

The following areas are considered when developing the treatment plan:

1. Provide comfortable conditions for keeping. Isolate the pet, provide it with a comfortable warm bed.
2. Transfer the patient to veterinary feeding for dogs with skin diseases. Exclude treats with human treats, as well as leftovers from the table.
3. Leave the veterinarian to prescribe medications. The initial stage is external antimycotics with a wound-healing effect. If the treatment does not bring the expected result, use oral or parenteral agents.

I’ve chosen well-liked antifungal medications for dogs. The following section of the article contains a list of medications along with a description and price.

Antifungal drugs for dogs

Be ready to administer the following kinds of drugs to treat canine fungal infections:

• external preparations: ointments, gels, creams, solutions, ear drops, shampoos;
• internal antifungal drugs, presented in capsules or tablets;
• veterinary feed;
• therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines.

Medication is the only thing a veterinarian prescribes, and you will almost always need to take it. Therefore, after coming into contact with a sick dog, stock up on gloves and hand treatment products.

The following are the external preparations that are most frequently employed:

Yam BK ointment

A complex combination of tar, salicylic acid, elemental sulfur, and zinc oxide. enclosed in tubes or jars ranging in weight from 10 g to 1 kg. efficient during the early stages of fungal infections. Suggested as a traditional medicine to treat lichen in people. Apply yam ointment to the wool and crusts twice a day for a maximum of ten days straight.

A 20 g jar costs 70 rubles.

Lekaderm

Ointment containing the corticosteroid antiphlogistic agent Bentamethasone, the antibiotic Gentamicin, and the antifungal ingredient Clotrimazole. An analog in medicine is Triderm. Any cream that softens crusts should be applied beforehand to the affected area. After removing the scabs, dab on some ointment. Until there is an improvement, treat twice daily. Treatments can then be scheduled only once every two to seven days. Treatment lasts seven to fourteen days.

A 15 g tube costs 480 rubles.

Nystatin

A medicinal ointment designed to treat skin and mucous membrane candidiasis and dermatomycosis. For both dermatophytosis and candidiasis, apply the ointment multiple times a day to the area that has been cleared of crusts. Keep it from licking. Taking Nystatin tablets concurrently improves the therapeutic effect. Even if results show improvement sooner, the course of treatment lasts at least seven days.

A 30 g tube costs 75 rubles.

Imaverol

Ethylconazole is an antifungal solution. The clear brown liquid is filled into 100 cm3 dark glass bottles. There are four treatments in the course of treatment.

This medication will aid in the disease’s defeat if a sizable portion of your dog’s body is affected.

Imaverol is not poisonous when consumed and does not irritate mucous membranes. The bottle’s contents are meant to be diluted in five liters of warm water. It is more convenient to divide the contents of the bottle into four treatments for a large dog. Trim the crusts off of your pet and rub it against the grain. One can give a small dog a bath. Four treatments spaced three days apart make up the course of treatment. Within three months of opening, the contents of the bottle could change.

A 100 ml bottle costs 1246 rubles.

Fungin forte

It is a 30-milliliter spray that contains the antimycotic drug Clotrimazole. Cut the hair, release the scab from the pathological surface, and apply the medication twice daily for 15 days prior to using the aerosol.

Women who are pregnant or nursing cannot receive treatment.

A thirty-milliliter bottle costs 420 rubles.

Surolan

Ear drops made by Surolan are the best treatment if the fungus is detected in the ears. Bottles of 15 or 30 milliliters contain the medication. Miconazole, an antifungal agent, Prednisolone, an anti-inflammatory, and Polymyxin, an antimicrobial, are the active ingredients.

Use three to five drops twice a day to remove debris and crusts from the ear canal. Continue treatment for a few more days after you recover. The course of treatment can last up to 15 days. Put Surolan in each ear to stop the second organ from inflaming. Use the contents of the container within ninety days of opening it.

A thirty milliliter bottle costs 1246 rubles.

Nizoral shampoo

An antifungal medication meant for use as a bath for pets whose bodies are significantly impacted. The active component is ketoconazole, an antimycotic. After giving the dog a bath, massage the shampoo into the troubled areas, and let the dog sit for five minutes. Make a game for your pet to play so they won’t jump out. After using warm water to rinse off the shampoo, pat him dry with a towel and keep him in the bathroom until he has dried. Five days are spent receiving treatment in a row.

A sixty-milliliter bottle costs 679 rubles.

When other treatments are ineffective, doctors may prescribe oral medications due to their potential side effects. It is in demand for the following medications:

Griseofulvin

A medication designed specifically to treat dogs. produced as 125 mg tablets. Avoid using the antifungal medication by yourself to avoid throwing up or having diarrhea. Veterinarians choose the dosage on an individual basis. Blood tests must be performed every ten days to monitor the dog’s condition. Griseofulvin is canceled if biochemical parameters differ from the standard.

Twenty tablets cost 258 rubles.

Itrazol

Itraconazole is the active component. The veterinarian decides how long the course of treatment will last. Ten kg of dog is the recommended weight for one tablet. Give the entire dose for the first seven days. The frequency of administration is then decreased to once every two to seven days. The medication causes hepatotoxicity. Notify the veterinarian and cease giving the medication if you observe your pet experiencing edema, allergic skin rashes, or constipation and vomiting.

A package containing forty-two capsules costs 1420 rubles.

Without adequate nutrition, drug treatment for fungal diseases will not result in recovery. Making up a diet out of natural ingredients is problematic, so you should speak with a veterinarian before selecting any of the following medicated feeds:

• Hills d/d (1761 p./2 kg);
• Purina DRM (2 383 p./3 kg);
• Royal Canin Skin Support (1 675 p./2 kg).

In order to prevent diseases, the following vaccines against fungi have been developed:

• Vakderm (95 p./dose);
• Polivak-TM (60 p./dose);
• Microderm (380 p/4 doses).

Russian-made antifungal medications have a therapeutic effect in addition to their preventive one. However, due to frequent complications, antifungal vaccines for dogs have not found widespread application outside of the Russian Federation. A pet receiving a vaccination during the incubation period will undoubtedly become ill, possibly severely. In contrast, the disease may progress in a mild form or clinical symptoms may not manifest at all in the absence of vaccination.

In the event that no therapeutic measures prove effective, the veterinarian introduces a biological product in a provocative manner. Skin abnormalities start to heal and the fur starts to grow back after several vaccinations, but the dermatitis gets worse. Since there is a chance of exacerbations of other chronic diseases, I do not recommend acting on your own.

Answers to questions

I will attempt to respond to the questions that dog breeders have asked the most on this subject after analyzing their most common queries.

What types of fungus can a person get from a pet?

Microsporia and Trichophytosis pathogens.

How to protect yourself from infection when caring for a sick dog?

Disposable gloves should be worn when administering tablets and applying external preparations. These gloves are disposed of after use. Hands and exposed body parts are cleansed using soap and water.

Which breeds of dogs are predisposed to fungal diseases?

Animals used for service and hunting are the first to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Dogs with decorations, who frequently have short muzzles, are not immune to infection. Although they live in pleasant surroundings, they can contract an infection while out on a walk if they come into contact with wild relatives or objects that have been in contact with a sick dog. These are the price paid for targeted selection, which results in the emergence of desirable traits by immune system deterioration.

Has a vaccine been developed against Malassezia?

Just vaccines against Trichophytosis and Microsporia are produced by Russian veterinary pharmaceutical companies.

Type of Mycosis	Medications for Treatment
Ringworm	Itraconazole, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole
Yeast Infection	Miconazole, Fluconazole, Clotrimazole
Aspergillosis	Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Itraconazole
Blastomycosis	Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, Fluconazole
Histoplasmosis	Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole

Dogs frequently get fungal infections, but with the correct care, they can be successfully treated. It’s critical to identify the symptoms early on in order to maintain your dog’s comfort and well-being.

Different treatment approaches may be needed for the various types of mycoses. Depending on the type of infection your dog is suffering from, your veterinarian can help you select the appropriate antifungal medications.

You can expedite your dog’s recuperation and avert additional infections by remaining knowledgeable and aware of their requirements. Preventing fungal diseases primarily requires routine veterinary care and good hygiene.

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