Veterinar, Vol. 62 No. 1, 2024.
Review article
https://doi.org/ISSN 0303-5409
Dermatophytoses in rabbits
Sara Mikac
orcid.org/0009-0007-5446-6729
; Veterinarska ambulanta Vet-Life
Vesna Mojčec Perko
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University of Zagreb
Zrinka Štritof
orcid.org/0000-0001-9202-7961
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University of Zagreb
Josipa Habuš
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University of Zagreb
Suzana Hađina
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University of Zagreb
Abstract
Dermatophytes are multicellular fungi that are
capable of keratinolysis and can often cause asymptomatic
infections in rabbits. Dermatophytoses in
rabbits are commonly caused by the species Trichophyton
mentagrophytes and Trichophyton benhamiae,
while infections caused by the species Microsporum
canis, Microsporum audouinii, Nannizzia gypsea, Trichophyton
verrucosum and Trichophyton schoenleinii occur
sporadically. Disease is manifested by changes to
the skin, localized on areas of the head, especially
around the eyes and ears, and on the extremities. The
claws are often affected, but the changes can spread
to all surfaces of the body. Treatment is carried out
topically and systemically, since there is no immunoprophylaxis
for rabbits. Considering the zoonotic
potential of dermatophytes, and the increasing number
of dermatophytoses in people keeping rabbits as
pets, it is important to carry out prophylaxis, both in
kennels and in households where rabbits are held as
companion animals. In kennels, animals should be
kept clean, and routine mycological tests are recommended
to detect asymptomatic carriers. In households
with rabbits, it is important to pay attention
to the hygiene of the environment in which the animal
lives, and to monitor the possible appearance of
clinical signs of the disease in both the rabbit and
the owner.
Keywords
dermatophytoses; rabbits; dermatophytes; zoonotic potential
Hrčak ID:
326094
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2024.
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