Epidermal Dysplasia and Malassezia Infection in Two West Highland White Terrier Siblings: An Inherited Skin Disorder or Reaction to Severe Malassezia Infection?
October 2001
in “
Veterinary dermatology
”
TLDR The skin issues in the two dogs might be caused by infection or self-injury, not genetics.
Two 9-month-old West Highland White Terrier siblings presented with pruritus, alopecia, and lichenification, and were diagnosed with Malassezia infection and epidermal dysplasia. Treatment with miconazole/chlorhexidine shampoo, ketoconazole, and cloxacillin resolved the dermal infection and led to hair regrowth, though pruritus persisted. Allergy testing revealed sensitivities to house dust mites, storage mites, and Malassezia, prompting immunotherapy. Follow-up biopsies showed mild superficial perivascular dermatitis, and remaining pruritus was managed topically. The study suggested that epidermal dysplasia in these cases might be an inflammatory or hypersensitivity reaction to Malassezia infection or self-trauma, rather than a congenital disorder.
