Violeta de genciana no tratamento terapêutico de malasseziose felina refratária

The aim of this study was to report the case of therapeutic use of the compound gentian violet (tris(4-(dimethylamino) phenyl) methylium chloride) in a cat with Malassezia pachydermatis resistant to conventional topical and systemic treatments. A feline (male, neutered, 5 years old, mixed breed) presented with intense pruritus, alopecia with hair loss initially on the dorsal area of the head, small wounds on the ears and pustules in the ventral mandibular region were also observed. After clinical examination and cytology, the animal was diagnosed with Malassezia and treatment was started with a combination of topical medications through therapeutic baths with shampoo (ketoconazole 2% and chlorhexidine 0.5%) and systemic medication (ketoconazole oral suspension at 20%) over a period of 6 months. With some relapses and worsening of the condition, the owner tested the use of the compound diluted in neutral shampoo in weekly baths. Where, 20 ml of 1% Gentian Violet was diluted in 400 ml of glycerin shampoo for children. Baths were performed with the solution once a week, leaving the solution to act for five minutes, then the product was completely removed with running water, drying it afterwards. During the treatment, no signs of intoxication or irritation were observed. Considerable improvement was noted in the first month and the symptoms of Malassezia disappeared in the third month of use. The reported case and the publications raised bring to light the discussion of the treatment of a complex situation that is the treatment of fungi and show that, although not recommended due to lack of studies, the compound proved to be efficient and capable of obtaining satisfactory results with regard to symptomatic relief of the disease and improvement of the animal's quality of life, in addition to presenting a better cost-benefit.