Diagnosis and successful management of a rare case of phaeohyphomycosis in a Doberman pinscher dog

Abstract

Skin affections in canines are common and their treatment depends upon the pathogens involved. Delayed or no response to traditional treatment indicates the involvement of unusual etiology or the multidrug resistance. This report describes the diagnosis and therapeutic management of a rare case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Alternaria alternata complicated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated pyoderma in a Doberman pinscher dog. Identification of the etiological agents was based on microscopy and culture of the skin lesions and further confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Treatment consisted of a combination of systemic antifungal and antibacterial drugs selected on the basis of in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility tests along with the tropical therapy. The report hightlights the need of studies on opportunistic fungi to better understand the associated risks, pathogenesis and optimal treatment of these uncommon infections.