Successful Clinical Management of Dermatophilosis in a Crossbred Jersey Cow

A four years old crossbred Jersey cow was presented to the Large Animal Medicine Unit, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal with a history of scaly lesions in both the hind limbs up to the stifle joint, on the udder and lower part of forelimbs since, 10days and the animal had reduced feed intake and milk yield.On clinical examination, cow had normal rectal temperature (38.4˚C),heart rate (78bpm), respiratory rate(18breaths per minute), icteric mucous membrane, weight-bearing lameness in both hind limbs along with matting of hairs and dermatitis. The skin scraping was subjected to direct microscopic examination which revealed hyphae, further the scab was made as smears stained with geimsa which revealed multiple rows of septate filaments with numerous rows of spherical to ovoid cocci. Samples were submitted for culture. Based on microscopic examination, the case was diagnosed as dermatophilosis and treated with Inj. Streptopenicillin5gIM,Inj.Chlorpheniramine maleate @0.5mg/kg body weight IM and Inj.Tribivet 10ml IM for one week and advised the owner to clean the area with 1% potassium permanganate and topical application of povidone iodine liquid (10%) in the morning and whitefiel dointment in the evening. Since, dermatophilosis is having zoonotic importance, it was advised to handle the affected animals with gloves and thorough hand washing with an antibacterial soap was recommended after contact with infected animal.