Mycozole anti fungal spray 50mls

Fungal skin infections are common in many pet species and can be difficult to control. Pathogenic fungi may also be indiscriminate and can spread between animal species and being zoonotic, may also pass to humans.

Mycozole is a topical spray containing miconazole nitrate, a powerful broad spectrum antifungal that is indicated for the treatment and control of many fungal skin infections. A drug from the imidazole family, it works by altering the cell permeability of susceptible yeasts and fungi. Neither natural nor acquired resistance is common, although some resistance to miconazole has recently been reported in human isolates of Candida albicans.

Mycozole may be used on many pet species including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, cage birds, pigeons, reptiles and amphibians.

Fungal infections which may be susceptible to topical miconazole nitrate treatment with Mycozole include Trichophyton spp., Malassezia spp., Candida spp. and Microsporum spp. A more detailed guide is given below.

Reptiles

The most frequent sites of fungal infection in reptiles are the skin and respiratory tract (for which a systemic treatment with a suitable agent will be necessary). Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) has been described in all orders of reptiles. Geotrichum, Fusarium, and Trichosporon are the genera most frequently implicated. In most cases fungal infection is secondary to an injury to the skin. Fungal infections may also be important either as a causative agent or secondary to skin retention in moulting reptiles. Chelonians with fungal infections of the shell can be treated by local debridement and topical application of Mycozole. Exposure to ultraviolet light also may be beneficial.

Birds

Malassezia sp dermatitis is common and is often diagnosed by histopathology rather than culture. Most Malessezia species are susceptible to miconazole nitrate. Ringworm caused by Trichophyton or Microsporum spp, is occasionally reported in pet birds.

Rodents

Rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas etc. Fungal skin infections are not common in rodents. The most commonly isolated fungal pathogens are Trichophyton and Microsporum spp. Infection is often asymptomatic or characterised by small, patchy areas of hair loss with erythema and flaky exfoliation. Transmission occurs by direct contact or from cages and bedding. Diagnosis is based on lesions, Wood’s lamp examination, isolation of fungus in or on infected hairs, and histology of lesions.

Guinea Pigs

Fungal skin infections in guinea pigs are caused most often by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and less frequently by Microsporum spp. Many animals are asymptomatic carriers of fungal pathogens, which are ubiquitous in the environment. Active disease is seen more often in younger or stressed guinea pigs, with patchy alopecia, usually starting at the head and characterised by irregularly shaped, crusty, flaky skin lesions with reddened margins. Facial lesions occur around the eyes, nose, and ears, but the disease can spread over the posterior portions of the back. Transmission is by direct contact or on fomites, such as bedding. Diagnosis is the same as for rodents. Ringworm is usually self-limiting if good husbandry and sanitation are maintained. Secondary bacterial infections may cause small pustules and skin abscesses. Prevention includes decreasing any potential for stress, good husbandry practices, and adequate sanitation of the environment. Ringworm is highly contagious to humans and other animals.

Rabbits

Clinical dermatophytosis is encountered in individual pet rabbits, but epizootics can also occur. Ringworm is generally associated with suboptimal husbandry, poor nutrition, and other environmental stressors. The causes are commonly Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Transmission is by direct contact. Fomites, such as hair brushes, that evade proper disinfection can play a significant role in spreading infection. Asymptomatic carriers are very common. The lesions usually appear first on the head and may spread to any area of the skin and particularly the paws. Affected areas are circular, raised, reddened, and capped with white, bran-like, flaky material. A negative result with a Wood’s lamp illumination does not rule out dermatophytosis, as Trichophyton does not fluoresce. Hair plucked from the edge of the lesion may be cultured on special media. Because rabbits with active infections are infectious for humans and other animals, they should be isolated and treated. The treatment of hutches with a suitable antifungal disinfectant is essential.