From the FDA Drug Label
Dosage and administration: Accurate diagnosis of the infecting organism is essential. Identification should be made either by direct microscopic examination of a mounting of infected tissue in a solution of potassium hydroxide, or by culture on an appropriate medium. Spray: Spray affected areas from a distance of 2 to 4 inches to apply a light covering, once daily for 2 to 4 weeks. Lotion: Apply a light covering of Miconazole nitrate 1% Lotion to affected areas, once daily, for 2 to 4 weeks.
The recommended treatment for yeast infections in dogs is not explicitly mentioned in the provided drug labels, as they refer to the treatment of fungal infections caused by specific organisms such as Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes 1. However, miconazole is used to treat fungal infections, and yeast is a type of fungus. The treatment regimen for fungal infections using miconazole involves applying a light covering of the lotion or spray to affected areas once daily for 2 to 4 weeks 1.
- Key points:
- Accurate diagnosis of the infecting organism is essential.
- Treatment must be continued until the infecting organism is completely eradicated.
- General measures in regard to hygiene should be observed to control sources of infection or reinfection.
- Clipping of hair around and over the sites of infection should be done at the start of treatment and again as necessary. However, it is crucial to note that the provided drug labels do not directly address yeast infections in dogs.
From the Research
The most effective treatment for yeast infections in dogs is a combination of topical and systemic antifungal medications, with a recommended treatment protocol of 2% miconazole nitrate + 2% chlorhexidine applied twice a week for 3 weeks, as supported by the highest quality evidence from the 2009 study 2. This treatment approach is based on the evidence from the systematic review, which evaluated the efficacy of various antifungal treatments for Malassezia dermatitis in dogs. The review found that the combination of 2% miconazole nitrate + 2% chlorhexidine was the only topical treatment that could be recommended with good evidence, and that systemic treatments with azole derivatives such as ketoconazole and itraconazole could be recommended with fair evidence.
Some key points to consider when treating yeast infections in dogs include:
- The importance of addressing the underlying cause of the infection, which may involve dietary changes, managing allergies, or treating hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism.
- The use of regular bathing with medicated shampoos to remove excess yeast and oils from the skin.
- The application of topical treatments such as miconazole or chlorhexidine shampoos, which should be applied twice weekly and allowed to sit on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing.
- The use of systemic antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole, which may be prescribed by a veterinarian for 2-4 weeks depending on the severity of the infection.
It's worth noting that the evidence from the 2012 study 3 also supports the use of a combination of chlorhexidine and miconazole in dogs with cutaneous Malassezia infections, which is consistent with the findings of the 2009 systematic review 2. However, the 2009 study provides the highest quality evidence and is therefore the most reliable guide for treatment decisions.