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| − | ==Introduction==
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| − | Malasseszia Dermatitis is a skin disease associated with the yeast [[Malassezia pachydermidis|''Malassezia pachydermatis'']]. It is common in dogs but rare in cats. The yeast is found on skin and mucosal sites in healthy dogs and cats and under circumstances which remain poorly understood can proliferate and induce skin disease.
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| − | ==Pathogenesis==
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| − | ''Malassezia pachydermitis'' proliferates and liberates enzymes and metabolites which induce cutaneous inflammation. Concurrent skin diseases such as [[Atopic dermatitis]] and primary defects of keratinisation are recognised in approximately 66% of cases. Some dogs may show hypersensitivity to ''Malassezia pachydermitis''.
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| − | ==Diagnosis==
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| − | ===History===
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| − | Affected dogs usually present with a greasy skin disease often with a characteristic odour and a variable degree of pruritus. Basset hounds, Cocker Spaniels and West Highland Terriers are predisposed.
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| − | ===Clinical signs===
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| − | Malassezia dermatitis can complicate or mimic allergic skin disease and scaling skin disorders. The main clinical signs are erythema and a greasy exudate which may result in matted hair with variable amounts of alopecia and scaling. Hyperpigmentation and lichenification occur in chronic cases. Concurrent erythematous otitis externa with variable ceruminous discharge is common.
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| − | The degree of pruritus is variable but can be extreme especially on the face in a small number of dogs.
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| − | ===Laboratory tests===
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| − | The most common method of diagnosis is via microscopy of a tape strip which will yield an increased number of {{unfinished}}
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| | ==Introduction== | | ==Introduction== |