Dermatophyte Infections in Free-Ranging Florida Panthers

Rotstein, Dave; Thomas, Randall; Helmick, Kelly; Citino, Scott; Taylor, Sharon; Dunbar, Mike

Three free-ranging Florida panthers (Felis concolpr coryi), were diagnosed with clinical dermatophytosis; two from Trichophyton mentagrophytes and one from Microsporum gypseum. These included two male juvenile panthers that were diagnosed with M. gypseum, and T. mentagrophytes. These animals were not treated for the dermatophyte infection and clinical signs resolved spontaneously over six months. Additionally, an adult 6-yr-old male panther from southern Florida USA that presented initially with alopecia of the head, ears and neck to include the rear limbs and abdominal region with excoriations, ulcerations, and multifocal pyoderma that later progressed to lichenification of the skin and loss of nails from two digits. When topical therapy applied in the field at 45 day intervals was ineffective in clearing the infection, the animal was placed in captivity for intensive oral therapy to prevent further dermal mycosis, loss of additional nails and spread of infection to other panthers. The panther was treated with itraconazole at 9.5 mg/kg placed in the food once daily for six weeks. After treatment, nail regrowth occurred but the multifocal areas of alopecia remained. The panther was released back into the wild after two skin biopsy cultures were negative. Temporary removal of an endangered free-ranging species from its habitat for systemic treatment of dermatophytosis requires consideration of several factors including age, reproductive potential, holding facilities, treatment regimen and the potential for successful reintroduction of the animal.