All orders made before 1pm Monday-Friday (excl. public holidays) will be same-day dispatch!

Canine Malassezia Dermatitis: Symptoms, Cause and Treatment | Probiotic MicroMed

Malassezia Dermatitis | Micromed Probiotics for dogs

 

DESCRIPTION:

There are 18 known types of malassezia however only one, Malassezia pachydermatis is commonly found on dogs.  Many breeds are susceptible to this yeast : Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, Shih Tzus, English Setters, American Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Dachshunds, Poodles and Australian Silky Terriers. 

Symptoms can include:

  • Lesions, most often seen between the toes and back of the neck, armpits, groin area, the external ear canal or folds
  • Pruritus or itch
  • Erythema (a rash with or without papules); reddish bumps and blisters which can spread outward, creating ulcerations or round “bulls eye” lesions (red circles with a central white area)
  • Scaling
  • Greasy exudation
  • Hyperpigmentation/lichenification; leathery, elephant-like skin
  • Malodour
  • Paronychia; crusting, greasy exudation and hyperpigmentation of the toenail and surrounding area
  • Cheilitis/muzzle erythema; these cases often exhibit extreme facial pruritus

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT:

Veterinarian treatment is with antifungals - the only treatment that is challenging to vets is paronychia whereby removal of the toe-nail is sometimes indicated.

MicroMed Note: Malassezia dermatitis is a sign of a system out of balance.  If we determine where this imbalance originates it is likely to have begun in the gut, through a process of microbial alteration, leading to inflammation, low immunity and possibly this in turn, leading to a Leaky Gut, also known as Intestinal Permeability.  This is where the gut becomes too permeable and substances that should not gain access to the bloodstream do so and this in turn sets up an accumulating immune reaction.  It is little wonder that malassezia dermatitis is evident when there are so many animals with such compromised gastro-intestinal tracts.  Re-establishment of microbial balance is necessary, to help reduce inflammation and restore equilibrium.  Studies show that microbial balance can now positively affect whole body health - or disease - so it may be wise to commence MicroMed’s Everyday Care and Acute Care Probiotics, for a period of two months to re-establish the correct balance of microbes in order to outcompete and deter detrimental organisms from taking hold.