Information is presented on main fungi and parasites causing skin lesions in cats and dogs originating in the tropics, of which some are not being found in France (e.g. Sporothrix schenckii, dimorphic fungi, Leishmania spp. and Diptera causing cutaneous myiasis). Geographical origins of sporotrichosis (S. schenckii), spread in animals, including cats and dogs, and man, infection spread through skin lesions, 4 disease forms and treatments, including the oral administration of itrazonazole for cats and dogs, are outlined. Origins, spread of pythiosis (Pythium insidiosum) in cats and dogs, treatment, particularly surgical and immunotherapy, and particularities of lagenidiosis [Lagenidium] found in dogs in the south east of the USA, are considered. Information is included on exotic parasitoses causing skin lesions, e.g. myiasis associated with parasitism of Diptera larvae, leishmaniasis, ticks, trombidiform mites, dermatophilosis (Dermatophilus congolensis), mycobacteriosis (Mycobacterium spp.) and rickettsial diseases, such as ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia).