Canine dermatophytosis due to Arthroderma uncinatum: case report and diagnostic considerations

Abstract

This report describes a molecularly confirmed case of canine dermatophytosis caused by Arthroderma uncinatum in an 11-month-old English Setter from Southern Italy. The dog presented with two alopecic, erythematous, scaling lesions on the metacarpal and metatarsal regions. While routine microscopic examinations were inconclusive, dermatophyte culture yielded a fungal isolate identified as A. uncinatum by ITS sequencing. Topical 1% clotrimazole administered for three weeks resulted in complete clinical and mycological cure. This case documents an uncommon infection by a geophilic dermatophyte and expands veterinary knowledge of A. uncinatum-associated canine disease.