Efficacy of Topical Therapy with Newly Developed Terbinafine and Econazole Formulations in the Treatment of Dermatophytosis in Cats

Abstract

In the field of veterinary dermatology dermatophytosis is one of the most frequently occurring infectious diseases, therefore its treatment should be effective, convenient, safe and inexpensive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of newly developed topical formulations in the treatment of cats with dermatophytosis. Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of terbinafine and econazole formulations administered topically twice a day was performed in 40 cats. Cats, suffering from the most widely spread Microsporum canis-induced dermatophytosis and treated with terbinafine hydrochloride 1% cream, recovered within 20.3±0.88 days; whereas when treated with econazole nitrate 1% cream, they recovered within 28.4±1.14 days. A positive therapeutic effect was yielded by combined treatment with local application of creams and whole coat spray with enilconazole 0.2% emulsion "Imaverol". Most cats treated with econazole cream revealed redness and irritation of the skin at the site of application. This study demonstrates that terbinafine tended to have superior clinical efficacy (p<0.001) in the treatment of dermatophytosis in cats compared to the azole tested.

Dermatophytosis in companion animals: A review

“…Dermatophytosis is a zoonotic disease caused by fungal infection of a species of dermatophyte [ 1 , 2 ]. Dermatophytosis is more commonly known as ringworm, which is macroscopically characterized by multifocal alopecia and crust on the skin with a specific formation [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Dermatophytosis is more commonly known as ringworm, which is macroscopically characterized by multifocal alopecia and crust on the skin with a specific formation [ 3 , 4 ]. This disease is distributed globally and has gained special attention in public health [ 2 , 5 ]. Dermatophyte infections in humans occur after contact with contaminated products or specimens, such as soil, hair, or crust on the epidermal layer of infected animals [ 5 ].…”

“…In Europe, the incidence of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats ranges from 20 to 30% [ 8 ]. The results of various studies concluded that the main species causing dermatophytosis in pets is Microsporum canis , in 81.8%-97% of the cases [ 1 , 2 , 6 ]. The incidence of zoonotic dermatophytes M. canis was the highest in dogs, cats, and human (60.0%) compared to other species [ 9 ].…”

Effects of boron compounds and ozonated olive oil on experimental Microsporum canis ınfection in rats

“…Slim and Karelson [17] highlighted the fact that oral and topical terbinafine treatment could be used to treat children infected with M. canis; however, the side effects include vomiting, pruritus, and local erythema. Studies associated with the treatment of M. canis infections with terbinafine have reported successful outcomes in both human and animal cases [14,18]. Here, we applied a terbinafine topical cream as a positive control group and compared its efficacy to alternative treatment modalities.…”

“…Considering these outcomes, we noted that the most significant improvement was observed in Group C, Table 1. Clinical scoring parameters [14]. followed by Group A, Group D, and Group B.…”