Dermatomycosis in cats (prevalence, diagnosis, course, treatment)

The article analyzes the literature on the distribution and diagnosis of cat dermatomycosis. Pathogenic fungi of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum occupy a special place among the most common pathogens that provoke the development of dermatitis among small animals. Mycoses of small animals caused by dermatophytes are zoonoses, in which the potential for transmission of microorganisms from animals to humans and vice versa is high. Regarding the pathogenesis of fungal diseases in cats, it is believed that the infectious agent is arthrospores formed by fragmented hyphae. This pathology's mechanism of development is associated with spores' penetration into hair follicles. Mushroom components mainly cause hypersensitivity reactions with the development of a humoral and cell-mediated immune response. Issues of early diagnosis are also covered, which allows timely detection of sick animals and effective treatment. Diagnosis of fungal lesions is usually complex. In the practice of veterinary medicine, new methods of diagnosing dermatophytoses are increasingly used, particularly in detecting pathogenic fungi in dogs and cats using a PCR test. When examining cats suspected of having dermatomycosis, anamnestic data are taken into account (type of animal, sex, age, breed, housing and feeding conditions, general condition, behavioral reactions, presence of appetite, appearance), as well as clinical manifestations of skin lesions, namely the location of the pathological process, nature and its manifestations. Clinical signs of the disease in cat dermatomycosis are very diverse and are determined by the specific properties of the pathogens. Antifungal drugs of systemic and local action and immunomodulators play an essential role in the system of treatment and prevention measures.