Content
- Malassezia pachydermatis in cats
- Malassezia otitis in cats
- Malassezia symptoms in cats
- Diagnosis of malassezia in cats
- Malassezia treatment in cats
Malassezia is a type of fungus that normally inhabits the skin of dogs and cats without causing any problems. This microorganism usually lives in the skin, ear canals and mucous membranes (oral, anal, vaginal). In normal situations, this fungus is mutually beneficial with other bacteria that naturally exist in cats and dogs. The problem arises when there is an abnormal growth of this fungus that, when multiplying in an exaggerated way, causes great inflammation in the dog's skin.
It's about abnormal growth of the Malassezia fungus in cats that the Animal Expert will tell you. So that you can understand everything about this disease, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Keep reading!
Malassezia pachydermatis in cats
There are several fungi of the Malassezia genus that have been isolated from the skin, mucosa and ear canals of cats. namely, M. sympodialis, M. globosa, M. furfur and M. nana. However, without a doubt that the most common species to cause problems in cats is the Mallasezia pachydermatis.
Unlike malassezia in dogs, malassezia in cats is much less frequent. However, it exists and you must be aware of it. Usually, this disease arises associated with other serious illnesses in the cat, namely:
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - Feline Aids
- tumors
- Persian Idiopathic Facial Dermatitis
Some cats, such as the sphynx and devon rex, naturally have a highest number of fungi Malassezia spp. compared to other races. These breeds have an exaggerated exudate of fat both on the skin and on the feet, a condition that promotes the growth of this type of fungus. If you have a cat of any of these breeds, you should wash it regularly every 7-14 days to remove excess fat from the body, paws and ears.
Malassezia otitis in cats
As already mentioned, fungi of the Malassezia genus normally inhabit the ear canals of domestic cats. However, when there is an abnormal overgrowth of this fungus in this region, malassezia otitis may occur.
According to some studies, the auditory region is the area most frequently affected by the presence of this fungus in cats. 95% of cats with otitis externa have a Malassezia infection, whether that infection is the primary cause or has arisen secondary to other causes. Malassezia fungi are opportunistic and take advantage of other infections or problems in the dog's immune system to reproduce on a large scale.
You most common symptoms of malassezia otitis in cats are:
- Itching in the ear region;
- head tilt
- bad smell in the ears
- reddish ears
- Pain when stroking the ear region.
Read more about cat ear infections in our full article on this subject.
Malassezia symptoms in cats
In cases of generalized Malassezia in cats, the only symptom they may present is overgrooming, that is, a excessive hair care. If your cat has a generalized malassezia infection, you will notice him constantly grooming himself.
Others Malassezia symptoms in cats are:
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- reddened skin areas
- Seborrhea
- Feline acne (on the animal's chin)
Diagnosis of malassezia in cats
Since, as already mentioned, malassezia in cats is usually associated with other serious illnesses, it is normal for your veterinarian to order several tests to reach a diagnosis. namely a blood analysis, biochemistry and urine analysis.
THE skin cytology and subsequent observation under the microscope is the most used method for the veterinarian to observe the amount of malassezia fungi present. If there is a low number of fungi of this genus, it is not considered a disease, as its existence is normal. However, if the number of malassezia fungi observed under the microscope is high, it is highly suggestive of overgrowth.
In addition, it may be necessary to carry out a culture, that is, taking a skin sample and growing the microorganisms in a suitable medium.
To determine exactly the species of Malassezia involved it may still be necessary perform a PCR.
To determine the underlying cause of the abnormal growth of malassezia spp, the veterinarian may still need to use other tests such as X-rays, allergy tests, Fiv and Felv tests, and elimination diets.
Malassezia treatment in cats
The most effective treatment of malassezia in cats is through topical therapy. That is, shampoos, creams and sprays. The specific treatment depends a lot from cat to cat. It is common to have two baths a week with antifungal shampoos, for 4-6 weeks.
If malassezia is secondary to a bacterial infection, your cat will need to take a antibiotic. Your veterinarian may choose a broad-spectrum antibiotic or another that he/she considers most suitable.
Severe cases of malassezia may need highly potent antifungals.
If your cat has malassezia as a result of any of the diseases mentioned above, such as tumors, diseases that alter his immune system, etc., you will need to take the treatment that your veterinarian prescribes for the problem in question.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Malassezia in cats - symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Skin Problems section.