Evaluation of the performance of topical products containing Ophytrium and chlorhexidine digluconate in cats with local cutaneous bacterial and/or Malassezia pachydermatis overgrowth.

ObjectivesThe application of Ophytrium and chlorhexidine (DOUXO S3 PYO Shampoo and Pads; Ceva Santé Animale) in cats for managing cutaneous microbial imbalances was analysed.MethodsClient-owned cats with microbiota imbalance characterised by Malassezia pachydermatis overgrowth, bacterial overgrowth or both were recruited. The cats were either washed with shampoo, when possible, considering the localisation of the affected zones and the cooperation of the cat, or treated with topical pads on day 0 (D0), and then received daily pad applications for either 2 weeks (D14) or 3 weeks (D21). Microorganisms were assessed on D0, D7, D14 and D21 using quantitative cytological counts, and pruritus was graded by the owner using a pruritus visual analogue scale for cats (VAScat). Satisfaction questionnaires were collected from both the veterinarians and owners on D14 and D21 (end of follow-up [EOF]).ResultsAmong the 10 cats that completed the study, cytological resolution, defined as a mean number of bacteria per oil immersion field (OIF) ⩽2 and/or a mean number of yeasts per OIF ⩽1, occurred on D7 and at EOF in 60% and 90% of animals, respectively. Median yeast count per OIF decreased significantly from D0 (6.7) to EOF (0.0). Similarly, the median bacterial count decreased significantly from D0 (18.0) to EOF (0.0). Median highest values assigned using the VAScat decreased significantly from D0 (4.3) to EOF (1.4). Overall, the veterinarians assessed the cytological and clinical improvement as satisfactory, good or excellent in nine cases. The protocol was considered efficient and practical by nine (90%) owners and the pads were considered easy to use by all 10 (100%) owners.Conclusions and relevancePads and an optional shampoo containing Ophytrium and chlorhexidine were well tolerated. These products were effective in achieving cytological resolution and improving clinical signs and discomfort in cats with microbiota disturbances, yielding high satisfaction levels in veterinarians and owners.