Mycosis or fungus in dogs: photo and treatment of pathogenic flora, ways of infection and preventive measures. Fungus in dogs: symptoms, prevention and treatment Fungal infection in dogs symptoms

Fungal infection of the body - candidiasis - a common disease in dogs caused by fungi of the genus Candida albicans. The causes of the disease lie in the low resistance of the body, the susceptibility of the skin to the effects of pathogenic microorganisms. The disease is a potential danger to the owner and household. Treatment of candidiasis must be carried out under the strict supervision of a veterinarian and in compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.

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Reasons for the development of candidiasis

Various factors can lead to a fungal infection. Veterinarians, based on many years of practice, identify the following main causes of candidiasis (thrush) in dogs:

Decrease in the protective properties of the skin due to the weakening of the body's immune system. In this case, candidiasis manifests itself as a secondary infection.

Any infectious diseases that have taken a chronic form can also lead to thrush in dogs. Dampness in the room, lack of ventilation can provoke an ailment.

The defeat of the epidermis is accompanied by itching. The pet combs the pathological foci with its paws, thereby spreading the fungal infection to healthy areas. Secondary bacterial or viral infection leads to the development of wet dermatitis. Papules and pustules form on damaged areas. Foci of alopecia are also characteristic of fungal dermatitis. When the tissues of the inner ear are damaged, the animal worries, shakes its head.

On mucous membranes

Thrush of the mucous membranes is most often observed in the oral and nasal cavities, on the conjunctiva of the eyes. When the dog's mouth is affected, profuse salivation, erosion and ulcers of the mucous membrane are noticeable. Fungal infection of the nasal cavity is accompanied by pronounced rhinitis, sneezing. With fungal conjunctivitis, redness, lacrimation, swelling, photophobia, cheesy or purulent discharge from the eyes are observed.

Dogs are often diagnosed with vaginal candidiasis. The animal has discharge from the genital slit. The mucus has an admixture of flakes, has a curdled character. There is anxiety caused by itching - the dog constantly licks the perineal area.

In case of damage to the urethra, an informative diagnostic method is the study of urine. In urine, in addition to bacteria, colonies of the fungus are found. Mycological examination is often carried out by sowing the material on nutrient media. This method allows you to accurately determine the type of pathogenic microorganism.

Treatment of candidiasis in dogs

Due to the fact that the fungus of the genus Candida belongs to conditionally pathogenic microorganisms and develops when certain conditions occur in the body, the main method of combating candidiasis is to strengthen the immune system and eliminate the cause of the disease. In this regard, in the complex therapy of the disease, the veterinarian, as a rule, includes immunostimulants - Gamavit, Roncoleukin, as well as B vitamins and vitamin A.

Antifungal drugs are used as a specific treatment. Locally for the treatment of candidiasis in dogs, ointments are used - Nizoral, Mykospor, Zoomikol therapeutic spray. Before applying the ointments, the damaged areas of the body are disinfected, the cut hair is burned. After applying the therapeutic agent, the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe skin is covered with a bandage, in order to avoid licking, the dog is put on.

Antifungal drugs

As a systemic antifungal agent in veterinary practice, Levorin, Nizoral, Griseofulvin, Clotrimazole are used. The drug is prescribed only by a veterinarian. The effectiveness of treatment is monitored after 2 weeks. A scraping of the affected skin is taken from a sick pet and a microscopic examination is carried out for the presence of colonies of fungi.

For the duration of the therapeutic course, veterinarians recommend sticking to a low-carbohydrate diet and using probiotics to normalize the beneficial microflora in the intestine. It is useful to enrich the pet's diet with vegetables rich in fiber and bran. The source of protein should be lean beef.

About the treatment of candidiasis in dogs, see this video:

FAQ

Pet owners, having discovered a fungal infection in a four-legged friend, are seriously worried about the risk of infection, and also want to know about preventive measures for the disease.

Can a dog infect a person?

There is a risk of human infection with a fungus of the genus Candida from a sick dog. Infection can occur through contact with animals and body fluids - saliva, urine and feces.

How to avoid getting sick

Due to the contagiousness of pathogenic fungi, when caring for a sick pet, it is necessary to carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene. Therapeutic manipulations must be carried out with gloves, then wash your hands thoroughly and apply an antiseptic. The room in which the dog is kept must be regularly cleaned with disinfectant solutions. Care items, bowls, combs, toys, etc. should be treated.

Candidiasis in dogs is more often considered as a secondary complication of infectious processes in the body. The situation is aggravated by the low level of immunity in the pet. Diagnosis is based on microscopic and histological analysis of biological material.

Complex therapy includes the use of local and general antifungal agents, as well as immunostimulants and vitamins. For recovery and the absence of recurrence of the disease, veterinarians attach great importance to a low-carbohydrate diet.

Despite the amazing variety of infectious diseases encountered in veterinary practice, there are special pathologies among them. They are poorly diagnosed, treated even worse, and the duration of their treatment can reach several months. These include, in particular, the fungus in dogs. This simple term hides dozens of diseases and hundreds (if not thousands) of variants of pathogens.

The big problem lies in the fact that many types of fungi are absolutely harmless under normal conditions. Only a combination of extremely weakened immunity and other factors, which is extremely unfortunate for a dog, activates their “abilities”.

Another (and also extremely unpleasant) feature of fungal infections is their very high tendency to relapse. Even when a dog seems perfectly healthy, it is not at all certain that he will not get sick again in a couple of months (or even earlier).

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a mycosis, and among its pathogens are several fungi from the genus Aspergillus. The disease is common throughout the world, affecting not only dogs, but also other animals (domestic and wild).

In typical cases, the infection affects the respiratory tract, but there are frequent cases of its generalized course, when the fungus affects the surface of all skin integuments and even internal organs. Susceptibility to it varies depending on the breed of the dog, its physiological state, and other factors. So, dogs kept at home and well fed get sick much less often than their homeless counterparts.

Aspergillosis of the nasal cavity

As we have already said, in typical cases, the pathogen affects the organs of the respiratory system. More precisely, the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and many sinuses of the skull. This disease is very common in dogs. The danger of the fungus is that it develops very aggressively, and in advanced cases, the pathogen destroys not only the mucous membranes and other soft tissues of the nasal cavity, but also the bone base. Cases of damage even to the eye sockets are known, ear aspergillosis is also known.

Unlike many types of mycoses, which mainly affect animals with initially weakened immunity, aspergillosis can affect perfectly healthy pets, effectively suppressing the reserves of their immune system. The route of infection is respiratory, i.e. The dog becomes infected by inhaling air or dust with spores.

Interesting! Nasal aspergillosis is mostly seen in dogs with long, narrow heads and noses (collies and greyhounds, for example).

Symptoms of infection include: bloody discharge from the nasal passages, pain (manifested when trying to palpate the nose), constant sneezing, ulcers on the nasal mucosa. In especially severe and advanced cases, copious discharge from the nose is characteristic. In them, in addition to mucus, it is easy to see pieces of soft tissues and even small bone fragments. Despite this, the diagnosis is not particularly simple.

Aspergillosis of the nose has to be treated with a combination of surgical debridement (i.e., removal of all destroyed tissues) and drug therapy. The likelihood of relapses is quite high, but after a well-conducted treatment, they happen infrequently.

Disseminated aspergillosis

Disseminated aspergillosis is considered a specific disease of German Shepherds. Compared to the normal nasal form, this variety is characterized by a greater tendency to generalize. The researchers suggest that the route of infection is exactly the same as in the previous case: the animal must inhale the spores of the fungus (which is why the growths are often on the nose), or a foreign body contaminated with them enters its nasal cavity.

The causative agent gradually “moves” from the nasal cavity to the lungs, and from there it enters the general bloodstream. After that, the fungus spreads easily and quickly throughout the dog's body, including the intervertebral discs of the spinal column, eyes and kidneys. However, this does not negate the possibility of damage to other internal organs and tissues.

Disseminated aspergillosis is characterized by a slow but “steady” development. Typically, this takes several months.

Symptoms of this disease include: pain in the lumbar region, which is easy to detect even with light palpation, stiffness of the animal, which manifests itself even after a short physical activity. Soon the disease progresses, the dog develops complete or partial paralysis of the limbs (posterior, as a rule). Other, less specific, findings include poor appetite, weight loss, muscle wasting, fever, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, eye inflammation, and lymph node enlargement.

Important! Severely ill dogs have a poor prognosis. Most dogs die from disseminated aspergillosis despite the fact that some have been successfully treated.

Chromoblastomycosis

In foreign veterinary periodicals, the name Phaeohyphomycosis is more common. The causative agents are fungi from the Dematiaceae family. Infection occurs when the damaged areas of the skin are directly contaminated with spores of a pathogenic fungus.

For dogs, this skin ailment is relatively uncommon. In a typical course of the disease, damage to the skin of the extremities and abdomen (as well as the genital area) is characteristic. Perhaps the formation of nodules on the head, nasal mucosa, and chest.

As a rule, fungi accumulate only in these nodules, and therefore surgical therapy has proven itself well. This disease compares favorably with the fact that the real need for a long-term prescription of antifungal agents occurs really infrequently. In addition, ordinary tar soap helps well, which should be used for regular washing of the animal.

Rhinosporidiosis (Rhinosporidiosis)

This is a chronic infection, primarily affecting the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and, much less often, the skin. The causative agent is the fungus Rhinosporidium seeberi. For our country, this pathology is not too common, but it is often found in Asian countries. From there, the pathogen often enters the territory of the Russian Federation.

The disease is expressed in the appearance of peculiar polyps on the surface of the nasal cavity. They are characterized by a soft texture and pink color, have a “crumbly” surface, on which the lobules are pronounced. On palpation, a rough external texture is felt. Polyps can be single, but it is not uncommon for them to cover significant areas of mucous membranes and even skin.

The main method of treatment is surgical excision of neoplasms. Antifungal agents are prescribed relatively rarely. The likelihood of relapse is quite high.

Mycetoma

Mycetomas - the general name for a huge number of fungal infections, accompanied by the appearance of swelling and pustules on the skin or in the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue, filled with pathogen spores and remnants of corroded tissues.

Important! The danger of mycetomas lies in the fact that they can be formed literally in any organ or tissue of the canine body, including vital ones.

When tumors of fungal origin are just formed, they are easily confused with papules that appear as a result of some kind of bacterial infection, but subsequently they are filled with dense, cheesy contents. Granules can have different colors and sizes, it depends on the specific type of fungus that causes their appearance. Fortunately, mycetomas are not very common in dogs.

Interestingly, in cases where they did appear, most of the swelling is located on the lower body. They are usually seen on the paws and abdomen. Sometimes the muzzle is affected. When a lot of mycetomas are located on the legs (more precisely, between the toes), this is not at all good: gradually they can grow directly into the thickness of the bone tissue.

Growths on the face are a reason for an immediate visit to the veterinarian. If they are located on the lower abdomen, mushrooms usually do not show such a desire for "expansion" (but there is always such a possibility).

This pathology is treated with a combination of surgical and drug therapy.

Desert disease (aka Coccidioidomycosis)

Coccidioidomycosis is a non-contagious infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. The latter enters the body only by inhalation of spores. The disease got its second name because it was originally common in the arid regions of the United States, Mexico, and also in some regions of South America.

The only known route of infection is by inhalation of spores. Currently, the infection occurs in almost all desert and hot regions of the world, there are cases of infection in our country. True, this disease is in any case uncharacteristic for dogs.

The disease in most cases occurs in the form of chronic inflammation of the respiratory system. In dogs, oddly enough, numerous pathologies of the skin are simultaneously observed (tumors under the skin, abscesses, dermatitis and eczema of unclear etiology).

Characterized by intermittent fever, partial or complete loss of appetite, progressive weight loss. Less commonly, a sick dog will notice difficulty breathing, lameness, neurological seizures, and eye disease.

Diagnosis is based on microscopic examination of tissue samples of a sick pet.

Treat the infection with long-term use of oral antifungals. The prognosis is cautious. It is noticed that dogs in which the disease manifests itself in the form of skin diseases respond better to treatment. There is no specific prevention.

Candidiasis

Localized pathology of fungal etiology, affecting the skin, as well as the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. As in the previous case, not only dogs are sick, but also other types of domestic and wild animals. The causative agents are varieties of the fungus Candida albicans. Candidiasis is common in dogs.

It is usually secondary to infectious diseases of the oral cavity, respiratory organs, bowel and bladder diseases. Sometimes ophthalmic pathologies develop. Predisposing factors include any wounds and skin abrasions.

Any injury to the mucous membranes is dangerous. It happens that attempts to "treat" with folk remedies lead to its appearance. Long-term use of antibacterial agents and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids also does not end well.

Symptoms are also vague and depends on which particular organ system was under attack. Diarrhea, weakness, skin lesions are characteristic. However, the entire clinical picture in the first place may indicate a primary disease that contributed to the development of candidiasis.

Treat the disease with a combination of topical and oral antifungal agents. Remember that one therapeutic course can take a couple of months. In general, the latter is characteristic of all fungal infections. Sometimes even an annual course of treatment is not at all a guarantee of ideal dog health.

Dermatomycosis

A large group of diseases, the second name of which is known to all animal lovers. This, of course, is lichen. As a rule, these diseases are caused by pathogenic fungi of the genus Microsporum. The undisputed leader is Microsporum gypseum. Slightly less commonly, canine lichen is caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Diseases are characterized not only by their diversity. They have two other features.

The first is their high virulence. Differing thereby from other fungi, which under normal conditions may not cause disease, the same Trichophyton mentagrophytes is an unconditionally pathogenic microorganism. If the immunity of an animal is even slightly less than ideal, the spores of the fungus will almost certainly germinate and cause the development of the disease.

Considering that lichen is easily transmitted to humans, never forget at least the basic norms and rules of personal hygiene.

Interestingly, the causative agents of many lichens choose rather deep layers of the skin as their “home”. Fortunately, these fungi do not show a tendency to germinate into muscle tissue and internal organs (even with a severe course of the infectious process). For severe cases, damage to the claws is characteristic.

If signs of infection are noticed in time and a therapeutic course is started, there is no particular danger to the health of the animal. Please note that all ringworms (like other fungi) are especially dangerous for pets whose immunity is suppressed or initially reduced for some reason.

Do not forget that a vaccine against lichen has long been created and is effectively used.

Sporotrichosis

It is a sporadic chronic disease caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. Found throughout the world, the natural substrate is rotting wood and foliage. Not surprisingly, this infection in humans is known as "gardeners' disease".

Infection occurs when spores of the pathogen enter wounds and other damage to the skin, sometimes when foreign bodies penetrate the skin.

Please note that this disease can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa.

This disease is quite common in dogs. It proceeds in two forms: localized, when fungal lesions develop at the site of penetration of fungal spores into the body (often on the stomach or paws), and also generalized.

It should be borne in mind that the generalized type very rarely develops immediately, but it is typical for neglected cases when the animal did not receive any help. In such situations, the disease is accompanied by fever, the animal becomes sharply apathetic.

In rare cases, there is damage to internal organs, including the lungs, liver, spleen, testicles, gastrointestinal tract, or central nervous system.

Long-term administration of antifungal drugs is usually recommended. Since the disease can be transmitted to people, when caring for a sick animal, it is necessary to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene. The same applies to all members of your family.

We strongly recommend that you keep your pet in a separate room., which must be carefully disinfected after the end of the therapeutic course. Many types of fungi (more precisely, spores of the latter) remain viable for many years, and therefore often cause relapses.

Malassezia

The “place of honor” in the list of fungal pathologies is rightfully occupied by a disease, especially characteristic of dogs. This is Malassezia. This is not a "classic" pathogenic fungus, but a type of yeast. Moreover, these yeasts can be found on the skin of any healthy dog. Under normal conditions, they do not show any tendency to pathogenicity. The “trigger” is strong and prolonged stress, long-term use of antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, as well as other factors that we have already mentioned above.

Representatives of "folded" breeds (shar pei, bulldogs), as well as owners of large ears (dachshunds, many spaniels, etc.) are especially predisposed to this infection. However, the infection also readily infects other animals, and fungal colonies are often located on the paw pads.

A characteristic sign of the disease is the appearance of an extremely unpleasant odor from the dog. Some describe it as "cheesy", other breeders speak of a putrid or moldy "aroma". The animal experiences severe pain, itching, itches constantly, it completely or partially loses its appetite. In advanced cases, the development of septic processes is possible. Frequent recurrences of a yeast infection are common even in situations where the dog appears to be completely healthy.

Treating a Fungal Infection in Dogs

I would like to note that with many fungal pathologies, local therapy alone will not work: without high-quality systemic treatment, your dog will be doomed to constant relapses of the disease.

Remember! Local application of ointments and liniments will help only in the mildest cases, when the infection has not yet spread throughout the body of the animal.

In addition, topical medications also need to be used wisely. In particular, owners of long-haired pets will have to put up with it and ... shave their pet baldly. Otherwise, the medicine will leave in kilograms, and the quality of application will be low. After shaving, the amount of the drug applied can be significantly reduced using, for example, an antifungal spray (they are produced, for example, based on econazole).

Do not forget that the room in which the sick dog is kept must be thoroughly washed with water and chlorine bleach at least once every two days. We emphasize that the treatment of any fungal pathology should be continued not only until the symptoms disappear completely, but until several negative results of diagnostic studies are obtained.

The following are the most effective drugs that can cope with many fungal diseases:

Itraconazole. Ear drops based on it are the most common treatment for not only ear fungi, but also other organs. Unfortunately, the product is quite toxic. Because of this, oral preparations based on it are not usually used to treat dogs.

Slightly more “gentle” are amphotericin B (3%), flucytosine (10%), econazole (1%), clotrimazole (1%). Shampoo based on them can be used for almost all "fungal" diseases.

With dermatomycosis, griseofulvin is excellent. This is a unique antibiotic with an antifungal effect.

Very effective simple and cheap ointment Yam BK. True, the smell from it is not very pleasant, and the consistency of the medicine is such that a sick animal can smear it all over the house.

Mycosis is a common pathology in dogs. Dermatological diseases affect small, medium and large four-legged pets, long-haired and smooth-haired breeds. The weaker the immune system, the higher the likelihood of developing a problem such as a fungus in dogs.

What signs indicate the reproduction of pathogenic flora? Where is the fungus located? Are fungal infections contagious? How to properly treat four-legged pets? Are folk remedies effective? Answers in the article.

Causes

Mushrooms are microorganisms that live in a variety of environments. During walks, a dog can easily “catch” a disease that develops when spores of harmful fungi germinate.

With a decrease in immunity for an animal, even its own microflora from opportunistic microorganisms becomes dangerous. If the fungi on the skin and mucous membranes are much more than normal, then unpleasant symptoms appear: itching, damage to the skin and mucous membranes, redness, ulcerations, delamination of the stratum corneum, and other manifestations of dermatological diseases.

Ways of infection

Factors that increase the risk of contracting a fungal infection: /p>

the dog bathes in the "blooming" reservoir;
there was contact with an infected animal;
in the enclosure unsanitary conditions, dampness, the owner rarely cleans the floor and washes the bedding;
the pet tasted the excrement of a dog that develops mycosis;
the owner does not treat skin folds well after bathing; fungi actively multiply in a humid environment. Poor ear care, a rare examination of the ear canal, the accumulation of sulfur and dirt provokes the development of fungal infections of the ears;
the animal sleeps on a bedding made of old fabric or a used bed, but the owner did not know at the time of purchase that another dog had a fungus. With poor disinfection, spores are well preserved in the upholstery, germinate when a new animal appears and favorable conditions.

On a note:

some types of yeast fungi: Malassezia, Candida are constantly present in the body of four-legged pets, but a moderate amount of microorganisms does not harm the dog;
with a decrease in immunity, a violation of hair care, the appearance of tangles on dirty hairs, the use of inappropriate shampoo, the natural balance of microflora is disturbed, opportunistic organisms multiply rapidly, mycosis develops;
when the factors that provoke skin damage are eliminated, the number of microorganisms returns to normal again, the prerequisites for the development of fungal diseases disappear.

Transmission routes

Mycoses are easily spread by contact with a sick animal. Spores persist not only in the lesion, but also in neighboring areas, wool, skin.

Many dog owners are interested in the question: is the fungus found in a four-legged pet contagious? It is important to know: mycosis is easily transmitted from animal to owner if the owner touches the places affected by the fungus, treats wounds and scratches without protective gloves.

Some varieties of pathogenic flora develop under certain conditions, for example, on mucous membranes. There are fungi that colonize and multiply on any part of the skin.

Care must be taken when caring for a sick animal. Thin medical gloves protect the epidermis from contact with pathogens of mycosis. It is important not only to prevent contact directly with the affected area of the skin, but also to strengthen the immune system. If a person is exhausted, weakened, often under stress, malnourished, then it is easier for fungi to multiply when the body's resistance is low.

Types and forms

Various types of fungi settle on the skin and mucous membranes of dogs:

Candida.
Malassezia.

Localization

Pathogenic flora affects not only the skin: fungi settle on the ears, under the tail, on the mucous membranes, in the vagina, nasal passages, and mouth. Often, areas of claws, sebaceous glands, and wool are involved in a dangerous process.

The fungus on the paws often develops during the spring and autumn slush. Mycosis on the ears in most cases appears with poor care and against the background of a bacterial infection. Fungal skin lesions are the most common type of dermatitis. Mycosis in the area under the tail is a kind of skin lesions, a dangerous condition, especially for pregnant bitches.

In advanced cases, fungal infections affect not only the problem area, but also other areas. With a combination of mycoses with the reproduction of bacteria, the treatment of a mixed infection with an old, chronic form is extremely difficult.

First signs and symptoms

Dog owners should be aware of the symptoms of a fungal infection:

on the skin there are wounds and cracks, flaky zones, bleeding in places of violation of the integrity of tissues;
the pet often itches, worries, does not sit still, tries to bite or scratch itchy areas;
claws exfoliate, change color, crumble, become covered with spots, black dots;
paw pads peel off, fingers turn red, often swell, hair falls out;
a change in structure and color in the affected area is clearly visible;
the dog shakes its head, rushes about, as if trying to shake something out of its ears;
ears turn red, hair is lost, bald patches appear;
the animal often rubs its head against objects and furniture, combs its ears;
the animal often licks the area under the tail, bites into the skin, fungi from the anus and genitals easily penetrate into the mouth and digestive tract;
pathological foci appear on the body of the dog with weeping, redness, loss of hairs, severe itching of the affected area, the presence of yellowish plaque and crusts along the edges;
with the active reproduction of the fungus on the legs, the dog limps, a change in gait occurs.

On a note! The longer the owner puts off a visit to the veterinarian, the higher the risk of spreading the fungal infection throughout the body. The dog licks itchy, irritated places, spores fall into the mouth, then into the digestive tract and other departments. If the fungus develops in the area of the anus, then the animal often introduces pathogens into the genitals, as it licks the anus first, and then the genitals. The situation is the same with any other external area (skin, ears, paw pads, sides): microorganisms get inside with the saliva of a sick animal. If the owner does not protect the hands, then human infection occurs by stroking and examining the animal or by contact with saliva.

Diagnostics

The appearance of signs of a fungal infection is a reason for an early examination of the animal. A visit to the veterinary clinic is necessary even with small lesions.

The doctor examines the problem areas, studies the picture of the disease according to the owner, tries to identify possible ways of infection. Be sure to take scrapings from the affected areas to identify pathogens. Certain types of microorganisms glow green when brought to the skin with an ultraviolet lamp.

Additionally, a biochemical analysis of urine and blood is prescribed, a study of allergic status, blood is taken to determine sensitivity to bacteria. Based on the results of bakposev, the veterinarian prescribes specific therapy.

Treatment

An integrated approach is a prerequisite for the speedy normalization of the microflora in the animal's body, the destruction of dangerous pathogens. The best result is the combination of the use of tablets and suspensions inside with external treatment of the affected areas.

Before starting therapy, be sure to shave all areas affected by the fungus. Often, the veterinarian advises to cut or shave the pet shortly over a large area, taking into account the degree of infection and the location of the focus of the fungal infection.

During treatment, care must be taken when treating the skin, wool, ears, mucous membranes, be sure to isolate the dog in a separate aviary if there are other pets at home. It is impossible to leave a sick animal alone for a long time, so as not to cause psychological trauma.

Effective names and groups of drugs:

antimycotic ointments and gels. Before applying the composition, be sure to remove the hair from the problem area. The drug is selected taking into account the nature of the fungal infection, the age of the pet. With a large area of \u200b\u200bdamage, thick formulations are not used: intoxication of the dog is possible. Effective ointments: Clotrimazole and Mikozolon;
shampoos with components that destroy the fungus. The compositions are suitable for the treatment and prevention of mycoses. It is useful to bathe a dog with a therapeutic and prophylactic agent after a walk in the forest, being in a pond or lake. Effective formulations: Ketoconazole, Imaverol, Nizoral;
vaccines and tablets with antimycotic action. Preparations Microderm, Fluconazole, Griseofulvin, Polivak are used not only during the period of prevention, but also during the treatment of fungal skin lesions in dogs. Some hunting breeds often develop allergies to vaccines, care must be taken;
sprays with antimycotic action. An effective type of treatment even with thick and long hair in dogs. The drug is sprayed according to the instructions on problem areas and neighboring areas. It is important to ensure that the pet does not lick off the fungicide. For protection, use a medical collar or muzzle. Fungil and Zoomikol preparations have earned positive feedback from veterinarians and owners.

Birch tar is a proven folk remedy for fungus in dogs. Despite the pungent smell and unpleasant appearance, the natural remedy dries well and heals wounds and scratches, reduces itching and irritation. In the absence of allergic reactions, you can buy a pet with tar soap or wear a diluted solution based on natural resin.

Prevention measures

Fungus in dogs develops less often if the owner:

regularly examines the skin, wool, mucous membranes, the genital area, the mouth of the animal;
monitors the cleanliness of the litter and bed of the dog;
strengthens the immunity of a four-legged pet;
maintains a good microclimate in the room, prevents dampness in the home;
carefully monitors the hygiene of the dog, always washes and wipes its paws dry after a walk, especially in dampness and mud;
avoids contact with animals that show signs of a fungal disease;
regularly shows the pet to the veterinarian for the timely detection of various pathologies, against which mycoses develop.

Mycoses or fungal infections in animals are most often found on the skin. There are types of fungal microorganisms that enter the internal organs and tissue structures, leading to dysfunction. In some cases, in the absence of timely and adequate treatment, lead to the death of the dog. The occurrence of systemic fungal infections is rarely diagnosed, but a fungus in a dog on its paws is a common occurrence that both pet owners and veterinary specialists have to deal with.

(fungal infections) can affect pets at any age and under even the best conditions. Absolutely completely protect your pet from the penetration of fungal organisms is impossible. Treating fungal infections, especially on the paws, is quite problematic, but quite possible. It is only important not to miss the beginning of the development of pathology and timely seek qualified help from a veterinarian.

There are many factors that provoke the onset of the development of dermatomycosis - contact with other infected animals during a walk, contact with rodents infected with a fungus, improper diet, weakened immunity, and some others.

The main factors that contribute to the development of foot fungus in dogs are:

improper diet;

increased air humidity;

improper hygiene- fungi multiply where there is not enough air access on matted wool or covered with a layer of dirt. In addition, frequent washing of paws can also cause the development of pathogenic microflora, as natural sebum is eliminated, skin protection is reduced;

taking medications- some types of drugs reduce the body's defenses, it cannot adequately resist a fungal infection.

Read also: Stomach ulcers are becoming more common in dogs

In addition to the causative agents of pathogenic mycoses, there is a conditionally pathogenic microflora. It is constantly on the skin of the pet. But with increased sensitivity of the body or reduced immunity, the development of ringworm begins.

Important! The risk group for dermatomycoses is puppies and young dogs that have undergone surgical interventions.

And it is also necessary to pay special attention to the health of the pet, which has a pronounced tendency to allergic-type reactions and skin diseases.

Symptoms of a fungal infection

In most cases, the fungus on the paws of a dog begins to develop in autumn and spring, when it is slushy and damp outside. In regions where constantly wet summers and warm winters, ringworm is recorded by veterinarians all year round.

The onset of the disease is characterized by the fact that the dog begins to intensively lick its paws, sometimes nibbling. When walking, the pet may limp or tighten its limbs.

When examined at home, the owner may note the following symptoms and changes characteristic of a fungal infection:

foliation of claws, change in their color and structure;
peeling on the paw pads (bleeding wounds and cracks are possible);
redness of the fingers;
edematous phenomena on the paws in the region of the metatarsus and fingers;
pronounced baldness of skin areas;
hyperemia of the skin in the area between the fingers;
peeling and detachment of the epidermis.

Note! Having found one of the above signs in your dog, it is necessary to contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for further advice and treatment.

With advanced, not detected in a timely manner, dermatomycosis on the paws, complete baldness of the animal is possible, a change in gait due to eternal lameness. Gnawing places on the paws with colonies of fungi, the dog swallows harmful pathogenic microorganisms. Once in the digestive system, the external fungal infection becomes internal. It is more difficult to diagnose and treat.

Important to remember, which is not significant at first glance, ringworm, can cause an abscess or blood poisoning.

There are varieties of yeast fungi that are on the skin of the animal all the time, without having a harmful effect on the body until there are factors that provoke the growth and increased reproduction of the fungus. Such microorganisms are fungi of the genus Malassezia.

Read also: Myasthenia gravis in dogs: general information, diagnosis and treatment

With a strong decrease in the immune defense of the dog's body, pathogens cause skin flushing and peeling at the site of localization. In addition, there is an unpleasant odor, oily seborrhea, brown dandruff and an invariable companion of all fungal infections - itching.

Note! Fungi of the genus Malassezia are not dangerous to other pets and are not terrible for humans.

Diagnosis of the disease

On examination by a veterinarian, a specialist must enlighten the pet's coat with a special lamp. Under the rays of such lighting, the fungal infection luminesces with green light. This is not the most informative method, therefore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis and further prescribe adequate treatment, it is necessary to conduct other studies.

It is important to determine the type of fungal microorganisms, their number, rate of development and sensitivity to drug antifungal drugs.

The main diagnostic methods are:

Donating blood for bacterial culture is a necessary measure in order to exclude the presence of secondary microflora.

Delivery of biological materials - blood and urine for a detailed biochemical analysis. With the help of this study, it is possible to identify problems of internal organs, hidden chronic diseases and weakened immunity.

After receiving reliable data, a qualified specialist can easily determine which treatment regimen to apply in a particular clinical case.

Note! It is extremely important to find out from a specialist whether the fungus is contagious to other animals or humans. In case of a positive response, it is necessary to isolate the dog for the duration of treatment in a separate room, but in such a way that the animal does not feel stress.

When processing a four-legged friend, you will need to wear special protective gloves. The fungal pathogenic microflora adapts unusually easily to medications and can change. Incorrectly selected therapy makes infectious agents more resistant, and treatment is delayed for a long time.

Dogs suffer from mycosis even under good conditions and have a hard time with the disease if it is running. Puppies and individuals with a weakened immune system are most susceptible to mycosis. The risk of developing pathology also increases in the case of the use of potent drugs, which the animal takes for therapeutic purposes.

If the fungus progresses, the pet becomes dangerous to others and requires isolation for the duration of treatment. In hopeless situations, the dog dies.

Why Do Dogs Get Fungus?

Uncontrolled reproduction of fungi already affects the condition of the animal in the most unfavorable way. Opportunistic fungi also live on the surface of the dog's skin and do not pose a threat to the health of the pet until its body is weakened by any disease.

The mechanism of development can be described as follows: the infection penetrates the epidermis and damages the hair follicles. The skin tissue loses its protective properties and becomes vulnerable to the effects of the simplest microorganisms. A sick dog infects his compatriots and people, as mycelium strands fall from his coat.

A healthy dog becomes infected with the fungus from a carrier dog that has previously walked in the same area where the pet often goes. Sometimes the animal becomes infected from the owner, who brings into the house pathogens of mycosis on shoes or clothes. But still, the main cause of the fungus for dogs is a genetic predisposition to the effects of opportunistic flora.

Factors that contribute to the development of fungus in dogs:

Causing fungi persist in the soil for up to 3 months. Therefore, the animal can become infected while walking in damp or hot weather. Mycelial spores remain in affected hairs and skin flakes for several years. With hair loss and the death of skin particles, they become a source of infection.

How does fungus show up in dogs?

Typical symptoms of fungus in dogs are:

With sufficient care for the pet, the owner will immediately notice a bald spot on the coat or even a few spots of unequal sizes. The size of the foci depends on the degree of skin damage. The number of bald patches is affected by the type of pathogen, the strength of the immune system and the conditions in which the dog is kept.

First of all, bald patches are formed on the paws, nose, head, neck and behind the ears. The hair either falls out completely or breaks off at the base of the hairs and creates a stubble effect. The epidermis acquires a gray or reddish color. A grayish coating and exfoliating particles of the dermis are visible at the hair roots. Extensive bald spots on the sides and back and complete alopecia indicate advanced dermatomycosis.

Itching as a sign of a fungal infection in dogs varies in intensity. Unbearable discomfort forces the dog to comb the skin until it bleeds. If the dog itches, this does not always indicate the development of mycosis. Perhaps she suffers from dermatitis or the animal is simply pestered by fleas.

The owner should treat the scratched skin with an antiseptic and inspect the interdigital zones, the lower part of the paws and the periungual area. In some cases, the fungus is localized in these places and goes unnoticed. The dermis affected by the fungus thickens and coarsens, inflames and cracks. The claws are deformed and acquire an abnormal shade. If the pathogen is localized on the paws, the dog will experience pain when walking and tighten the diseased limb.

Soft shoes will help to protect the animal from deterioration of health at this stage - it will be more comfortable for the dog to move in it. If the family pet has been on a walk, he needs to wash and dry his paws thoroughly. Also, you should not allow the dog to gnaw and scratch the affected areas.

A dog's coat with ringworm may remain normal. However, periodically the hairs will crumble, fade and become tangled. After water procedures, the wool is quickly contaminated. At first, the owner attributes these changes to shedding, a new bathing product that may not have worked, or a change in food. But the abolition of new products does not solve the problem - the fungus continues to develop and spoil the hairline.

So that you can recognize a fungus in a dog in a timely manner, we suggest looking at the photo and remembering the pathological changes in the skin.

Animals suffer not only from dermatomycosis, but also from favus, trichophytosis, microsporia, and fungal otitis media. If the pathogen passes from the skin to the follicles, the dog develops a chronic form of the disease.

Diagnostic measures

At the first suspicion of ringworm in a pet, you need to show it to the veterinarian. The fungus multiplies very quickly, undermining the dog's immunity and making it susceptible to viruses and bacteria. According to the description of the general picture, it is difficult for a specialist to draw a conclusion about the pathogenicity of the fungus, so a four-legged friend must undergo a diagnostic examination.

First, the doctor illuminates the coat with a special lamp, the radiation of which helps to identify the pathogen by its emerald color. But 40% of the strains do not glow. In addition, one study with a Wood's lamp does not allow to establish the type of mycelium. In this case, the veterinarian will not answer the question of how to treat a fungus in a dog on the skin, because there is not enough confidence in the presence of a pathogen for prescriptions.

A complete analysis helps to determine the type of pathogen, its quantity, growth rate and sensitivity to fungicides.

In addition to a deep examination of the scraping, the owner must help the dog pass the following tests:

Blood for bacteriology - determines the sensitivity of the canine body to bacteria and secondary infections. Elimination of the main problem contributes to the successful cure of mycosis.
Blood for allergic status - if inflammatory skin changes are associated with allergies, the fungus will appear 2 weeks after the completion of allergy therapy. If the allergen is not eliminated, the lichen will recur constantly.
A detailed analysis of blood and urine - shows the general health of the pet and disorders in the functioning of organs and systems, if any.

Based on the results of the tests, the specialist will correctly select antifungal drugs that will not only weaken the pathogen, but also completely destroy it.

Treatment of puppies and adult dogs from a fungus

Vaccination with Vakderm and Microderm is considered an effective option for treating a fungus in a dog. External treatment of the affected areas is carried out with antifungal ointments:

Yuglon.
Zoomikol.
Mycoseptin.
Fungin.
Clotrimazole.
Dermatol.
Miconazole.
Thiabendazole.
Griseofulvin.

How to use fungus ointment to treat a dog correctly?

First, the owner chooses a convenient place that can be disinfected after the procedure. Then she carefully cuts the hair near the affected area, using scissors with rounded blunt ends. At the next stage, the prepared area should be washed with warm soapy water and the crusts on the body should be softened, after which the skins should be carefully removed from the dermis.

The ointment is rubbed on the problem focus and adjacent tissues, on which the hairline is pre-cut. To prevent the animal from licking the medicine, the treated area is covered with a bandage and an Elizabethan collar is put on.

If there is no suitable medicine in the house, the dog is treated with iodine or brilliant green - the liquids disinfect and dry the skin. But iodine should not be abused, since it worsens the condition of the skin if used uncontrollably.

The session ends with disinfection of the surface where the treatment was performed. Sheared wool and crusts are burned or disposed of in another way. Hands are washed, disinfected and lubricated with a fungicide.

If the dog is prone to allergies, and antifungal injections are prescribed for her, Diphenhydramine will help to avoid an allergic reaction. To strengthen the immune system, the pet is also given immunostimulating agents.

If a dog is diagnosed with pityrosporosis (the causative agent is the fungus Malassezia), the fungus will affect the inside of the auricle, axillary zones, the external auditory canal, folds on the neck and muzzle, interdigital spaces, paraanal sinuses. In the presence of multiple foci for the treatment of Malassezia fungus in dogs, shampoos Doctor, Nizoral, Imaverol are used.

After the tests, it is important to find out if the dog's disease is dangerous for other animals and people. If the pathogen is capable of infecting people, it is better to take care of the pet with rubber gloves and keep it in a separate room or aviary. If the infection spreads to different animals, the sick dog is isolated from fellow tribesmen and cats.

Folk remedies for ringworm in dogs

At the initial stage of the disease, lichen spots are allowed to be treated with apple cider vinegar or fresh cranberry juice. Liquids are used for lotions. Inside the animal is given a decoction of medicinal herbs.

What is included in the phytocollection:

Calendula flowers - 1.5 tsp
Oak bark - 0.5 tsp
Chamomile - 1.5 tsp
Yarrow herb - 1.5 tsp
St. John's wort - 0.5 tsp.
Tansy flowers - 0.5 tsp.
Burdock leaf - 0.5 tsp
Wormwood - 1.5 tsp
Birch leaves - 2.5 tsp
Swamp cudweed herb - 1.5 tsp.
Sage leaves - 0.5 tsp
Red clover - 1.5 tsp

2 tbsp. l. prepared collection pour 1 liter of boiled water and insist 2 hours. Store the drug in the refrigerator. It is given to a sick dog half an hour before meals 2 times a day with a dosage of 10-30 ml. The stronger the degree of infection and the larger the animal, the greater the amount of decoction it should drink.

Prevention

To prevent infection of a dog with ringworm owners will help compliance with the rules of prevention:

Complete care.
Normal conditions of detention.
Timely vaccinations.