What is the most common fungal disease in dogs?

When we see our dogs wagging their tails lively, we are filled with joy and warmth. However, behind the health of dogs, there are various disease threats, among which fungal diseases are one of them that cannot be ignored. Understanding the most common fungal diseases in dogs is not only a compulsory course for every pet owner, but also an important prerequisite for us to protect the health of our fur children. Every time we deepen our understanding of the disease, we build a solid line of defense for the health of dogs, so that we can lend a helping hand in time when they are sick.

Among the many fungal diseases in dogs, the skin fungal disease caused by Microsporum canis, which we often call ringworm, is the most common "health killer". Microsporum canis has extremely strong infectiousness and survival ability. It is like an "invisible invader" that quietly invades the skin, hair and nails of dogs. After dogs are infected with Microsporum canis, the initial symptoms are often not easy to detect. There may only be slight itching in the local area, and the dog will occasionally scratch a certain part with its claws. As time goes by, the hair in the infected area begins to become fragile and easy to break, and round or oval hair loss spots gradually appear. The skin surface will also be covered with a layer of gray-white scales, as if covered with a thin layer of frost. In severe cases, the hair loss area will become red, swollen, and ulcerated. The dog will scratch frequently due to unbearable itching, and may even cause bacterial infection, making the condition worse. Watching the originally smooth and soft hair become mottled, and the once lively dog ​​being irritable due to itching, the owner's heart is full of heartache and self-blame, and he wishes he could bear this pain for them. ​

Canis microsporum has a wide range of transmission routes, which is also a major reason why it is a headache. Close contact between dogs, such as licking each other and playing, can become a way for the spread of germs. In addition, contact with contaminated items, such as pet mats, toys, combs, etc., can also cause dogs to be infected with germs unknowingly. Even in a seemingly clean outdoor environment, Microsporum canis may be lurking in the grass and soil. When a dog rolls or runs on the grass, it may be infected. What is more worrying is that Microsporum canis not only harms the health of dogs, but also has certain zoonotic properties. After close interaction with sick dogs, if the owner does not pay attention to personal hygiene, he may also be infected and experience symptoms such as skin itching and erythema. This two-way health threat makes ringworm caused by Microsporum canis a common "enemy" for owners and dogs. ​

Once a dog is suspected of being infected with Microsporum canis, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Veterinarians usually conduct a detailed clinical examination first to observe the morphology, distribution location and other characteristics of the dog's skin lesions. Then, a Wood's lamp will be used to irradiate the infected area. Under the Wood's lamp, the hair infected with Microsporum canis will show bright apple green fluorescence, which provides an important basis for preliminary diagnosis. However, the Wood's lamp test is not 100% accurate. In order to further confirm the diagnosis, the veterinarian will also take the diseased material for laboratory examination, observe the morphological structure of the fungus through a microscope, or perform fungal culture to determine the specific fungal species and drug sensitivity. Every diagnostic process is like a race against time. Only by quickly and accurately identifying the cause of the disease can the best treatment opportunity be obtained for the dog. ​

Treating a dog's Microsporum canis infection is a long and patient process. First, the sick dog needs to be isolated to prevent the spread of the germs to other pets and family members. Next, the dog's living environment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and special disinfectants must be used to wipe and spray pet supplies, furniture, floors, etc. to kill the germs in the environment. In terms of drug treatment, a combination of topical and oral drugs is usually used. Topical antifungal ointments or lotions can act directly on the infected site to inhibit the growth and reproduction of fungi; oral antifungal drugs can inhibit the germs from the body and enhance the treatment effect. However, these drugs may have certain side effects on the dog's liver, kidneys and other organs. Therefore, during the treatment process, it is necessary to take the dog back to the hospital for regular check-ups, monitor liver and kidney function, and adjust the dosage and course of treatment according to the condition. Every time the dog is smeared with ointment, the owner feels reluctant to see their eyes evading because of discomfort, but has to insist, because only in this way can they get rid of the pain of illness as soon as possible. ​

In addition to active treatment, prevention of canine Microsporum infection is also critical. Keep the dog's living environment clean and dry, clean and disinfect pet supplies regularly, and avoid contact with animals of unknown origin and polluted environments. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the dog's nutrition, ensure that they take in enough protein, vitamins and minerals, enhance their body immunity, and enable the dog to have the ability to resist germs. Regularly combing the dog's hair and carefully checking the skin condition can also help us detect potential problems in time. Every careful care and every careful feeding is a protection for the dog's health and an expression of our endless love for them.​

Dermatophyte disease caused by Microsporum canis, as the most common fungal disease in dogs, has brought troubles and pain to countless dogs and their owners. But as long as we have more understanding, more vigilance, and use professional knowledge and full love to care for dogs, we can definitely help them stay away from illness and let them continue to accompany us through every beautiful day in a healthy and lively manner. After all, in our hearts, dogs are not only pets, but also family members, and they are an indispensable warm existence in our lives.