Haemato-Biochemical Changes in Dermatitis Associated with Penicillium spp. in Dogs

Skin infection in dogs is classified as primary infection, caused by infectious organisms directly and secondary infections, which are augmented by underlying conditions that act as catalysts for infections such as bacterial or fungal infections. Among fungal infections, Penicillium is one of the largest genera. Penicillium species can cause allergies and both superficial and invasive infections. Keeping the above facts in view, the present research was undertaken to study the haemato-biochemical alterations in clinically affected dogs with Penicillium spp. associated dermatitis. A total of 200 dogs were selected for the study. Skin scraping samples were collected for culture and microscopic identification. Out of 200 dogs screened, 23 (11.5%) dogs were found positive for Penicillium-associated dermatitis based on skin scraping, Penicillium culture and identification. Penicillium-associated dermatitis in dogs revealed an increase in TLC, lymphocytes, eosinophils and total protein, and a decrease in serum zinc and copper concentration. On the basis of heamato-biochemical profile group T₁ showed better recovery. Twelve positive dogs, 6 each, treated with Tab. Terbinafine @ 30 mg/kg b.wt. (T1), and Tab. Itraconazole @ 10 mg/kg b.wt. (T2), PO, OD, for 21 days, with supportive therapy, resulted in normalization of these altered profiles by day 28 of treatment, at par with healthy control group, (T3, n=6). Basis of clinical recovery and haemato-biochemical analysis treatment Tab. Terbinafine showed better results from Penicillium-associated canine dermatitis.