Refractory Dermatophytosis in a Spitz Dog Successfully Managed with Posaconazole in India: A Case Report

This case report details the successful treatment of refractory dermatophytosis in an eight-year-old Spitz dog using posaconazole, a second-generation triazole antifungal. The dog, previously treated with itraconazole and topical antifungals, suffered relapses and hepatotoxicity. Fungal culture identified Microsporum canis, with antifungal susceptibility testing indicating resistance to common antifungals but sensitivity to posaconazole. Administered at 10 mg/kg daily for three weeks, followed by 5 mg/kg for another three weeks, posaconazole resulted in significant clinical improvement and complete symptom resolution by eight weeks. This case underscores posaconazole as a viable treatment for resistant dermatophytosis in dogs, highlighting the need for antifungal susceptibility testing and monitoring for hepatotoxicity.