Comparison of two systemic antifungal agents, itraconazole and terbinafine, for the treatment of dermatophytosis in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).
BACKGROUND
Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton erinacei is a common scaling and crusting skin disease affecting European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted to wildlife rescue centres. The application of topical therapy can be challenging because wild hedgehogs are subject to stress and often roll into a ball when handled. Systemic antifungal therapy is more convenient but has not been evaluated in this species.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of oral itraconazole versus oral terbinafine for the treatment of dermatophytosis affecting hedgehogs.


METHODS
A treatment trial was undertaken in a wildlife hospital involving 165 hedgehogs with naturally occurring dermatophytosis.


METHODS
Animals were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either itraconazole or terbinafine orally for 28 days. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after 14 and 28 days by mycological culture and clinical dermatological lesion scores.


RESULTS
Both drugs were well tolerated and clinically effective. After 14 and 28 days of treatment, the respective mycological cure rate was 36.6% and 65.9% for the itraconazole-treated group and 92.8% and 98.8% for the terbinafine-treated group.


CONCLUSIONS
Itraconazole and terbinafine were both effective for the treatment of dermatophytosis affecting hedgehogs; however, terbinafine was more effective.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) East Winch Wildlife Centre, Station Road, East Winch, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1NR, UK.
Steve
S
Bexton
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) East Winch Wildlife Centre, Station Road, East Winch, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1NR, UK.
Helen
H
Nelson
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006364:Hedgehogs; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077291:Terbinafine; D014005:Tinea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009281:Naphthalenes; D017964:Itraconazole; D000077291:Terbinafine