Yeast dermatitis is a fairly common inflammatory skin condition caused by overgrowth of Malassezia spp. of yeast, which are normal inhabitants of the skin, ears and mucocutaneous areas of dogs. Malassezia pachydermatitis, the most common type of yeast causing skin infections in domestic dogs, is lipophilic, meaning that it has a particular affinity for fatty tissues and cells. Yeast infections occur when the microorganism reproduces uncontrollably, over-populating and invading the areas where it normally resides.“Yeast”
Cutaneous (skin) yeast infections are common in domestic dogs and are most frequently caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia species of yeast. These infections cause a number of annoying symptoms, both for affected dogs and for their owners.When the normal reproduction cycle of yeast becomes out-of-control, the organisms colonize, invade and damage the dog’s skin, which sets up a cycle for accelerated yeast overgrowth. The most obvious observable symptoms of yeast overgrowth include one or
Yeast infections in companion dogs usually first show up as intense skin itchiness (called pruritis), with accompanying scratching and biting at affected areas. The most common causative organism is Malassezia pachydermatis. It can be rather difficult to diagnose this fungal/yeast infection.The initial database for a dog presenting with severe itchiness and other signs of a cutaneous yeast infection includes a complete history and physical examination, together with sampling of affected areas of skin. Direct impressions
Yeast infections of the skin of dogs are common, but thankfully they are largely treatable. The most frequent culprit is Malassezia pachydermatis. Only a veterinarian can assess the infection and prescribe appropriately tailored treatments designed to eliminate yeast overgrowth, reduce the dog’s itchiness and other symptoms of discomfort, manage or eliminate secondary bacterial infections, identify and treat any predisposing factors, resolve the accompanying scaling, exudation and foul odor and reduce the chances of recurrence.Current treatments