Dermatophytic fungi such as Microsporum canis are a common cause of skin disease in dogs with significant zoonotic potential. Yeasts such as Candida and Malassezia species are normal components of the skin flora which may cause clinical disease under certain conditions. The authors investigate the frequency of isolates in healthy dogs and those with a range of skin conditions. They note that only 14% of positive cultures for Malassezia pachydermatis and 41% for M. canis were positive by direct examination.
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 20 (2): 197-202.
Abstract reproduced by kind permission of Veterinary Practice magazine.