Microsporum canis sensitive to
itraconazole and
terbinafine was isolated from two cats presented with generalized
dermatophytosis and dermatophyte
mycetoma.
Itraconazole therapy was withdrawn through lack of efficacy in one cat (a Persian) and unacceptable adverse effects in the other (a Maine Coon). Both cats achieved clinical and mycological cure after 12-14 weeks
therapy with 26-31 mg kg(-1)
terbinafine every 24 h per os (PO). Clinical signs in the Maine Coon resolved completely after 7 weeks treatment. Four weeks of
therapy with additional weekly washes with a 2%
chlorhexidine/2%
miconazole shampoo following clipping produced a 98% reduction in the Persian cat's
mycetoma, which was then surgically excised. Recurrent generalized
dermatophytosis in the Persian cat has been managed with pulse
therapy with 26 mg kg(-1)
terbinafine every 24 h PO for 1 week in every month. No underlying conditions predisposing to
dermatophytosis were found in either cat despite extensive investigation.
Terbinafine administration was associated with mild to moderate
lethargy in the Persian cat, but no other adverse effects or changes in blood parameters were seen. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first report of a dermatophyte
mycetoma in a Maine Coon and of successful resolution of this condition in cats following
terbinafine therapy.