Ringworm by Microsporum canis in Long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

Abstract

Chinchillas are rodents popularly bred as pets for being a docile animal; however, in the natural environment, it is a critically endangered species. This study reports the occurrence of ringworm in Chinchilla lanigera. A female specimen presenting an alopecia-oval lesion on the left cheek was send for clinical care. On examination, the lesion was negative for the Wood test and on the hematological evaluation, cell parameters were within normal range, but with a tendency to eosinophilia. Mycological assessment was performed and Microsporum canis was isolated after 30 days of incubation on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Ringworm is an uncommon infection in rodents and M. canis is a commensal fungus of the skin of dogs, being a parasite primarily zoophilic but can cause injury to humans. Ringworms are uncommon in rodents, being attributed in this report to stress associated to indirect contact with canine material contaminated with the fungus.