Malassezia pachydermatis and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are already present on normal dog skin. Whenever the immune system is suppressed and/or the epidermal barrier is disrupted, microbial overgrowth can then occur. This can result in opportunistic skin infections, such as Malassezia dermatitis.1
1. Nuttall T. Malassezia dermatitis. In: BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology 3rd Edition, BSAVA 2012; 198-205
2. Miller W.H., Griffin C.E., Campbell K.L. Malassezia dermatitis. In: Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology 7th Edition, Elsevier 2013; 243-249
Lower images copyright Ariane Neuber DrMedVet CertVD Dip ECVD MRCVS
A recent evidence-based literature review which evaluated studies on the topical antimicrobial treatment of skin infections with bacteria or yeast concluded that:
There is the highest level of evidence for efficacy of a shampoo containing 2% miconazole and 2% chlorhexidine against M. pachydermatis (COE I - good).6
Basic skin health and underlying disorders
Basic skin health
The skin is the largest organ of the body. With its high cell turnover and metabolic rate, it obviously requires sufficient supply of skin-supporting nutrients to maintain its structure, function and health.
Underlying disorders
Several diseases can lead to skin problems and infections, with nutrition well acknowledged as an important part of the management of these problems in cats and dogs.
Restoration of compromised skin
Recovery of almost any type of compromised skin condition and of the skin barrier will require extra skin-supportive nutrients like essential fatty acids, zinc, selenium and vitamin A, E and B-complex. Diets with increased levels of these nutrients can contribute to a successful recovery of the skin and coat.
7. Baddaky-Taugbøl B et al. A randomised, controlled, double-blinded, multicentre study on the efficacy of a diet rich in fish oil and borage oil in the control of canine atopic dermatitis (2005)
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