Background -The genus Malassezia is comprised of a group of lipophilic yeasts that have evolved as skin commensals and opportunistic cutaneous pathogens of a variety of mammals and birds.Objectives -The objective of this document is to provide the veterinary community and other interested parties with current information on the ecology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin diseases associated with Malassezia yeasts in dogs and cats.Methods and material -The authors served as a Guideline Panel (GP) and reviewed the literature available prior to October 2018. The GP prepared a detailed literature review and made recommendations on selected topics. The World Association of Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) Clinical Consensus Guideline committee provided guidance and oversight for this process. The document was presented at two international meetings of veterinary dermatology societies and one international mycology workshop; it was made available for comment on the WAVD website for a period of six months. Comments were shared with the GP electronically and responses incorporated into the final document.Conclusions and clinical importance -There has been a remarkable expansion of knowledge on Malassezia yeasts and their role in animal disease, particularly since the early 1990's. Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats has evolved from a disease of obscurity and controversy on its existence, to now being a routine diagnosis in general veterinary practice. Clinical signs are well recognised and diagnostic approaches are well developed. A range of topical and systemic therapies is known to be effective, especially when predisposing factors are identified and corrected.

Skin disease associated with the cutaneous commensal organisms Staphylococcus intermedius, Malassezia pachydermatis and Demodex canis is frequently encountered in veterinary medicine. In treatment the aim is elimination of the commensal, but recurrence of skin disease is not unusual. In this review, these potentially pathogenic commensals and their ecology are discussed with particular reference to skin biology and the surface ecosystem. The strategies employed by the micro‐organisms for survival and the defence mechanisms of the host are considered. Disease occurs when the virulence of the commensal overwhelms the resistance of the host. It is hoped that an understanding of the complex nature of the skin and its commensals will lead to a better understanding of those diseases associated with commensals and in consequence more effective treatment. Résumé— Les dermatoses associées aux organismes commensaux cutanés Staphylococcus intermedius, Malassezia pachydermatis et Demodex canis sont fréquentes en médecine vétérinaire. Le traitement vise àéliminer le commensal, mais les récidives sont fréquentes. Dans cet article, les commensaux potentiellement pathogènes et leur écologie sont discutés avec une référence particulière à la biologie cutanée et à l'écosystème de surface. Les stratégies employées par les microorganismes pour survivre et les mécanismes de défense de l'hote sont présentés. La pathologie se développe lorsque la virulence du commensal outrepasse la résistance de l'hote. Il faut espérer que la compréhension de la nature complexe de la peau et de ses commensaux, permettent une meilleure compréhension des pathologies associées à ces commensaux et par conséquent un traitement plus efficace. [Mason, I. S., Mason, K. V., Lloyd, D. H. A review of the biology of canine skin with respect to the commensals Staphylococcus intermedius, Demodex canis and Malassezia pachydermatis (Une revue de la biologie de la peau concernant les commensaux Staphylococcus intermedius, Demodex canis et Malassezia pachydermatis). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7: 119–132.] Resumen  En medicina veterinaria son frecuentes las dermatopatías asociadas a los microorganismos comensales Staphylococcus intermedius, Demodex canis y Malassezia pachydermatis. El tratamiento busca la eliminatión del comensal, aunque no son raras las recidivas. En esta revisión se discute la ecología de estos comensales potencialmente patógenos, con especial énfasis en la biologia cutánea y el ecosistema superficial. Se tienen en cuenta las estrategias para la supervivencia utilizadas por los microorganismos y los mecanismos de defensa del huésped. La enfernedad se desarrolla cuando la virulencia del comensal supera la resistencia del huésped. Se espera que el mejor conocimiento de la naturaleza compleja de la piel y de sus comensales llevará a un mejor conocimiento de las enfermedades asociadas a los comensales y, consecuentemente, a un tratamiento más efectivo. [Mason, I. S., Mason, K. V., Lloyd, D. H. A review of the biology of canine skin with respec...

The clinical features of 55 naturally occurring cases of neural angiostrongylosis caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis are described. The principal clinical feature is an ascending paresis of varying severity, mainly effecting the limbs and bladder. In severely affected animals the cranial nerves and central nervous system are affected. A distinguishing clinical sign is a variable severe lumbar hyperalgesia. For prognostic purposes the severity of the disease is divided into 3 grades. Recovery occurs in the first 2, however in the third, the most severe grade, animals do not recover. Corticosteroids and supportive nursing facilitate recovery and lessen the residual neurological dysfunction. Anthelmintics were included in the therapeutic regimen but their use worsened the signs. Death was recorded in association with the use of anthelmintics in cases that should have otherwise recovered.

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