We recently saw a rare case of Primary Malassezia (Yeast) Dermatitis in a young Dachshund. We often see this yeast causing infections as a secondary infection in cases of allergy but this case appeared to be a primary infection which is rare and mostly reported in Westies and Bassett Hounds.
Matilda was presented with a 4 week history of hair loss and mild scaling on the head, ears, underside of neck and on the limbs. She was also suffering with a waxy otitis. No scratching or chewing had been observed. The differential diagnosis included demodectic mange, dermatophytosis (ringworm) and allergy.
Skin scrapings and sellotape impressions from the skin surface were examined microscopically and samples were taken for fungal culture.
Primary Malassezia Dermatitis – Hair loss and inflammation with mild scaling on head and ears
No mites were found, but large numbers of Malassezia organisms were seem on the sellotape impressions. Microscopic examination of ear discharge revealed large numbers of Malassezia organisms. Fungal culture was negative for ringworm. Skin biopsies were taken from several sites under local anaesthetic and submited to a dermatohistopatholgist.
Histopathology was not diagnostic of any one condition, but was suggestive of allergy or parasites. A blood test for sarcoptic mange antibodies was negative.
Primary Malassezia Dermatitis – Inflammation, skin thickening and hair loss on forelimb
Malassezia organisms under the microscope
Treatment was initially started with the systemic antifungal Itraconazole and regular shampooing in an antifungal shampoo. The otitis was treated with an ear wash containing chlorhexidine. After 4 weeks there was considerable improvement, with hair regrowth and reversal of the skin changes. This was complete after another 2 weeks.
Primary Malassezia Dermatitis After 5 weeks Treatment
Reversal of skin changes after 6 weeks
Treatment was stopped, but within 7 days of ceasing therapy a mild scaling re-appeared on the head and skin thickening began to develop again in the axillae and down the limbs. Sellotape impressions from the skin yielded large numbers of Malassezia organisms again.
Treatment was re-started with Itraconazole and Chlorhexidine shampoo and this rapidly reversed the relapse.
Once again and attempt at stopping treatment was made, only to see another relapse. Topical antifungal dips using enilconazole were tried initially twice weekly then once weekly. This was found not to be as effective as Itraconazole orally.
It was decided to try Itraconazole pulse therapy. Various protocols exist and are all based on the fact that the drug is metabolised slowly and need not always ahave to be given daily. Pulse therapy with treatment for two consecutive days a week has maintained remission in this case.
Primary Malassezia dermatitis is a rare condition. It is not fully understood why an overgrowth of this yeast occurs in these cases. Secondary infection with this yeast is much more common and often seen in the axillae and feet of dogs suffering with allergic dermatitis. These dogs are often very pruritic (itchy) scratching there undersides and licking their feet. Despite the inflamed appearance of and secondary changes in the skin, no pruritus has ever been observed in this case!
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