Dermatophytosis of the dog and cat: Old and new diagnostic tools

Dermatophytes are important fungalpathogens that cause superficial infections in people and animals. In cats and dogs, the clinical signs are variable and similar to those produced by other dermatological diseases. The presence of infection must thus be confirmed by diagnostic tests. A timely diagnosis is necessary to reduce the risk of transmission to other animals and humans. Recently (2017) a systematic literature review has been used as basis for the publication of updated guidelines for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis of cats and dogs. The present article draws lessons from these guidelines and other studies in the literature, to provide an updated overview on the diagnostic tests used by the veterinary. These tests include: Wood's lamp examination; dermoscopy; direct examina-tion of hair and scales; culture; PCR; histopathology