Fungus in the Fur: An Overview of Fungal Infections in Cats, Dogs, and Exotic Small Mammals.

Abstract

Fungal infections occur in a wide variety of mammals including cats, dogs, and exotic small mammals. These infections are generally categorized as superficial/cutaneous, subcutaneous, and systemic. While most reported cases involve cats and dogs, fungal infections have also been documented in various exotic small mammal species. Although microbiological diagnostic approaches are similar across patient species, clinical signs and treatment strategies can vary significantly. Managing these infections in veterinary medicine presents unique challenges, particularly in exotic small mammals, due to species-specific differences in pathophysiology, treatment options, and husbandry considerations. In this chapter, we discuss (1) superficial/cutaneous, (2) subcutaneous, (3) systemic fungal infections in cats, dogs, and exotic small mammals, and (4) the challenges with managing these veterinary fungal infections.