Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex: A retrospective study of 64 dogs from the Central United States (1997-2020).

BACKGROUND: There are limited clinical studies evaluating the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, with most reports confined to small case studies. Additionally, the studies are dated and provide limited information on response to newer or currently available therapies. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if there is a breed prevalence, lesion distribution and seasonality associated with the T. mentagrophytes complex for dogs evaluated in the central United States. An additional aim of the study was to evaluate response to therapies because there are minimal data available on clinical response with newer systemic antifungal drugs. ANIMALS: A total of 64 canine medical records were evaluated that had a previous diagnosis of T. mentagrophytes complex infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of medical records to evaluate signalment, time of onset of clinical signs, clinical presentation and therapeutic management. RESULTS: A higher incidence of T. mentagrophytes complex infection was observed in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Sporting group (43%) and Terrier group (20%). A seasonal influence was noted, with the onset of clinical signs being highest in October. Lesions most often affected the muzzle (48%), followed by the head excluding the pinnae (21%). Ketoconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine appeared equivalent as systemic therapeutic options to treat T. mentagrophytes complex infections. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study identified patterns in breeds, seasonality and lesion distribution for the T. mentagrophytes complex in dogs from the central United States. Additionally, the study found several reasonable and reliable treatment options for systemic therapy.

Canine demodicosis: a retrospective study of a veterinary hospital population in California, USA (2000-2016).

BACKGROUND: Demodex spp. are cutaneous mites that cause clinical disease when present in increased numbers. There is an association in some dogs with underlying systemic disease or immunosuppressive medications. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Retrospective study to document breed predisposition, identify any concurrent diseases or underlying immunosuppressive conditions, and to determine the frequency of demodicosis recurrence after treatment completion. ANIMALS: There were 431 dogs with demodicosis presented to a veterinary teaching hospital in California, USA, from 2000 to 2016. METHODS: Inclusion in this study required a diagnosis of demodicosis based on direct demonstration of the mite. Records were reviewed for signalment, disease history, potential underlying aetiologies, diagnosed concurrent diseases, medications and demodicosis treatment. Analyses were performed to evaluate for potential breed predispositions and because of the large number of dogs with allergic dermatoses, analyses for this diagnosis as a disease associated with demodicosis was also performed. E-mailed surveys and follow-up telephone calls were used to assess for information about disease recurrence. RESULTS: The pit bull terrier group and West Highland white terrier, based on calculated odds ratio, were breeds predisposed to developing demodicosis. For dogs with demodicosis, allergic dermatoses was an associated disease. Relapse or recurrence of disease after treatment was uncommon, affecting 11% of the dogs with long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study identified, in dogs attending the institution based in California, USA, breed predilections for canine demodicosis and associated concomitant diseases. It also revealed a low occurrence of disease relapse, recurrence or persistence.