Dermatophytosis is most frequently associated with the zoonotic ringworm infection. However, those circular areas of hair loss can signal more than just ringworm. These articles address the need for proper diagnosis and include a discussion about the origins of the infections.
Source: DVM 360, March 2016, page M4.
Three species of fungi most commonly cause dermatophytosis: Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It is not enough to determine that a patient has a dermophyte infection. You must identify the species causing the infection in order to provide appropriate environmental treatment at the source.
Source: DVM 360, How to perform and interpret dermatophyte cultures, July 2010.
Dermatophyte cultures can be challenging to perform and interpret correctly. However, knowing how to best collect samples for culture, select and incubate culture media, and identify media culture changes and fungal colony morphology will help you avoid a misdiagnosis.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams will find both articles a refreshing review of what’s known or what’s been forgotten. Reviewing as a team helps keep practice protocols more uniformly implemented. Representatives can position various products by starting a conversation with this article.