Rare Generalized Form of Fungal Dermatitis in a Horse: Case Report.
Authors: Padalino Barbara, Sandy Jeanine Rhoda, Barrasso Roberta, Trotta Adriana, Bozzo Giancarlo, Cafarchia Claudia
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Geotrichum candidum Dermatitis in Horses A saddle horse presented with non-pruritic alopecia that progressed to generalised hair loss, lethargy, pyrexia and limb oedema following surgery, antibiotic treatment, and subsequent corticosteroid therapy for suspected allergic skin disease. Diagnostic investigation—including hair plucking, skin scrapings, biopsy and culture—identified Geotrichum candidum, a rarely reported equine pathogen, with cytology revealing characteristic yeast-like structures with hyphae and pseudohyphae. The clinical presentation and isolation of this opportunistic fungal organism suggest immunosuppression from prolonged corticosteroid and antibiotic use created conditions for disseminated infection. Recovery was achieved through environmental disinfection, twice-weekly topical antifungal therapy over three months, dietary antioxidant support (vitamins C and E), and increased sunlight exposure—with marked improvement visible within three weeks. This case highlights the importance of prompt differential diagnosis in equine dermatitis cases to distinguish fungal infection from allergic disease, particularly when initial treatment exacerbates rather than resolves clinical signs, and underscores how corticosteroid use, whilst sometimes necessary, carries real risk of opportunistic secondary infections that warrant careful monitoring.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Consider fungal dermatitis in differential diagnosis when skin lesions worsen despite corticosteroid therapy; perform cytology and culture before assuming allergic disease
- •Geotrichum infection risk increases with long-term corticosteroid or antibiotic use—use systemic antifungals cautiously and monitor treated horses closely
- •Treatment success requires multi-modal approach: environmental disinfection, topical antifungal therapy, nutritional support, and natural light exposure rather than systemic antifungals alone
Key Findings
- •Geotrichum candidum caused generalized dermatitis with alopecia in a saddle horse following corticosteroid treatment for suspected allergic skin disease
- •Blood analysis revealed mild leucocytosis and hyperglobulinemia; cytology identified yeast-like structures with hyphae and pseudohyphae
- •Combined treatment of stable disinfection, topical antifungal solution, vitamin supplementation, and sunlight exposure (6 h/day) resolved clinical signs within 3 weeks