Malassezia

What is malassezia?

Malassezia is a yeast that is part of the normal canine skin microbiota, so it is normally present on the skin of dogs and cats. In particular, Malassezia resides in wet areas such as:

• ear canal
• space between the fingers
• skin folds
• the genitals
• the armpits

This pathogen coexists with its host and in healthy animals it does not cause problems as long as the skin microbiota is in balance. When this situation of stability is compromised, the conditions for excessive growth become favorable and Malassezia proliferates.

When malassezia multiplies excessively, it can cause skin irritation and itching. Malassezia dermatitis is a common problem and can affect both dogs and cats, although it is more common in dogs and can affect dogs of all breeds, ages or sizes.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of malassezia dermatitis can be different, however the most common are:

– intense itching, which pushes the animal to scratch, lick and even bite itself excessively. Therefore, secondary bacterial infections can occur in these subjects.
– Redness of the skin which may appear inflamed.
– Unpleasant odor (typical malassezia odor is a rancid odor)
– Earwax secretions (in the auricle, malassezia can cause intense itching and very abundant earwax secretions, dark in color and with an unpleasant odor)
– Hair loss
– Thickened skin (elephant skin)
– Hyperpigmentation (skin with dark pigmentation)
– Nail infection that occurs when malassezia activity affects the area between the toes.

Some breeds seem to be more affected, especially breeds for example with skin folds or long, pendulous ears (otitis complicated by malassezia often occur in these breeds).

What are the causes?

The causes of malassezia dermatitis are not always clear. There are several factors that can contribute to its development such as:

1. Imbalance of the skin microbiota, which favors the excessive growth of malasezzia
2. Imbalance of the immune system can favor the development of the problem
3. Environmental conditions, humidity creates an ideal environment for the growth of this yeast (for example a warm-humid autumn climate)
4. Both food and environmental allergies
5. Inadequate animal hygiene, especially with overly aggressive products that lead to an imbalance in the skin microbiota
6. Underlying pathologies or medical conditions that can increase the risk of malassezia dermatitis
7. Prolonged use of drugs and antibiotics that alter the balance of the intestinal microbiota.

What are the treatments for malassezia?

Only the vet who knows your pet will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and proceed with the appropriate and tailor-made treatment. The veterinary doctor will be able to establish the primary cause for the proliferation of this yeast and establish an adequate therapy which may include the use of antifungal drugs, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, medicated shampoos etc…all the aids that can only be prescribed by the veterinarian doctor.

Is there prevention or supportive treatment for malassezia?

Since Malassezia is a yeast or commensal that lives on the skin of dogs and cats and proliferates when the immune defenses are reduced, there are ways to reduce the probability of the problem appearing.

First of all, healthy and correct nutrition plays a very important role, as well as adequate physical activity.

Complementary feeds

– LactoAdapt
– MultiAdapt
– CortiAdapt

can help improve:
– skin health (CortiAdapt)
– of the immune system (MultiAdapt)
– restore the balance of the intestinal microbiota (LactoAdapt)

of your pet, and thus influence your dog/cat’s ability to fight malassezia dermatitis.

LactoAdapt, CortiAdapt & MultiAdapt can be used both as supportive therapy together with the treatment prescribed by the veterinary doctor and as prevention against the reappearance of the problem.