Superficial Fungal Skin Disease in Cats

Steve Dale, well-known pet advocate and host of Steve Dale's Pet World, discusses the Ricky Fund in the Winn Feline Foundation which supports research regarding feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He follows with introducing Dr. Karen Moriello (DVM, DACVD), an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this presentation, Dr. Moriello discusses new findings regarding two superficial fungal skin diseases of cats. Malassezia dermatitis (yeast overgrowth) is the most common superficial skin disease and is often under recognized and under diagnosed. The second most common superficial skin disease of cats is dermatophytosis or ringworm. Ringworm is a concern for people due to its zoonotic potential. This talk discusses what is new and useful in the area of diagnosis, treatment, and disinfection. In addition, a brief discussion of what to do when you suspect an outbreak is detailed. The presentation was delivered on June 27, 2013 at the 35th Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Health in Vancouver WA.