Diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytic furunculosis in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

A captive-bred polar bear was presented for investigation of a non-healing wound, suspected to be traumatic in nature. Histopathological examination of cutaneous samples, taken while the bear was under general anaesthesia, was compatible with dermatophytic furunculosis. The bear was treated with systemic itraconazole (5 mg/kg once daily) for 3 months, alongside topical 2% miconazole nitrate and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate twice weekly. Environmental decontamination of concrete flooring and metal handling facilities was performed with a detergent to remove organic matter, followed by 1:10 dilution of 5% sodium hypochlorite solution at least twice weekly and between the use of the facilities by different bears. Within 4 months, the ulceration had resolved, and the lesion had reduced to a 10 cm diameter patch of complete alopecia.