Biology, diagnosis and treatment of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats Clinical Consensus Guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.

BACKGROUND: The genus Malassezia is comprised of a group of lipophilic yeasts that have evolved as skin commensals and opportunistic cutaneous pathogens of a variety of mammals and birds. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this document is to provide the veterinary community and other interested parties with current information on the ecology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin diseases associated with Malassezia yeasts in dogs and cats. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The authors served as a Guideline Panel (GP) and reviewed the literature available prior to October 2018. The GP prepared a detailed literature review and made recommendations on selected topics. The World Association of Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) Clinical Consensus Guideline committee provided guidance and oversight for this process. The document was presented at two international meetings of veterinary dermatology societies and one international mycology workshop; it was made available for comment on the WAVD website for a period of six months. Comments were shared with the GP electronically and responses incorporated into the final document. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: There has been a remarkable expansion of knowledge on Malassezia yeasts and their role in animal disease, particularly since the early 1990's. Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats has evolved from a disease of obscurity and controversy on its existence, to now being a routine diagnosis in general veterinary practice. Clinical signs are well recognised and diagnostic approaches are well developed. A range of topical and systemic therapies is known to be effective, especially when predisposing factors are identified and corrected.

Use of antipruritic and rehydrating foams on localized lesions of atopic dermatitis in dogs: a small-scale pilot and comparative double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of topical nonsteroidal agents for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical efficacy of a commercial foam product (mousse), previously demonstrated to be effective in cAD (Foam A) with a foam/mousse containing components from plant extracts (Foam B). ANIMALS: Eight client-owned dogs with nonseasonal mild/moderate cAD. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs were treated twice weekly with either Foam A or Foam B for 14 days and after a wash-out period of 14 days received the other foam in a randomized blinded study. Criteria evaluated included skin lesions [Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI)], pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS)], cosmetic evaluation and overall global product assessment by the owner and the investigator. RESULTS: A significant improvement was noted for both treatment groups for both CADLI and pVAS scores (37.5% and 26.09%, respectively, for Foam A; 41.9% and 32.6%, respectively, for Foam B) (P < 0.05). Owner and investigator evaluation of cosmetic characteristics of the products and global product assessment were positive for both mousses. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of a foam may be useful in cAD to improve both skin lesions and pruritus. Both foams evaluated in this study were equally effective. This method of product delivery is easy to use for owners which is important to improve compliance in practice.