Abstract
Six Scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) calves presented with multifocal, circular, raised, crusting skin lesions over a four-week period in December 2010. The lesions were located along the nasal planum, pinnae, and cervical region. Hooves and mucous membranes were unaffected. Skin biopsies, bacterial and fungal cultures, fungal speciation, and blood samples were obtained and resulted in a clinical diagnosis of Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes has been diagnosed in few exotic ruminants including nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus)2 and southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica).1 Dermatophyte infections are typically self-limiting. The decision to treat this oryx herd was based on minimizing risk of transmission to other animals in the collection and preventing zoonotic disease transmission to keeper staff.
The affected calves were treated topically with miconazole ointment and miconazole spray once per week for two weeks. Oral griseofulvin was administered to the entire herd at a dosage of 10 mg/kg orally once daily for 20 days. Environmental control consisted of routine disinfection and treatment with captan fungicide spray. Resolution of clinical signs was achieved within three weeks of initiating treatment.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. William Fales for his assistance with fungal culture and isolation. Special thanks to the veterinary technician staff and Plains Barn keepers at the Kansas City Zoo for their assistance in successfully treating the oryx herd.
Literature Cited
1. Marco, I., J.R. Lopez-Olvera, P. Gilbert, L. Abarca, D. Gauthier, and S. Lavin. 2007. Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes in the southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in the eastern Pyrenees. Zoonoses Public Health. 54 (6–7): 278–280.
2. Otcenásek, M., A. Adámková, V. Janecková, J. Dvorák, M. Lávicka, and B. Mícek. 1978. Dermatomycosis of the nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Vet Med (Praha). 23 (6): 377–83.