Epidemiological Study on Canine Demodicosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.5.32Keywords:
Alopecia, Canine, Demodicosis, Immunosuppression, Skin scrapingAbstract
Canine demodicosis, a parasitic dermatological disorder caused by excessive proliferation of Demodex mites, poses a significant health concern in dogs, particularly under immunocompromised conditions. This study investigated the occurrence and associated risk factors of demodicosis in 50 dogs presented with clinical signs suggestive of demodicosis to the Veterinary College, Hebbal, Bengaluru, between January and June 2025. Diagnosis was confirmed via deep skin scraping, hair plucking, and acetate tape impression, with skin scraping yielding the highest detection rate (28%). Fourteen dogs (28%) tested positive for Demodex spp., with higher prevalence observed in juveniles (< 1 year), Shih Tzu and non-descript breeds, and dogs maintained on homemade diets, housed outdoors, and lacking regular deworming or dietary supplementation. No significant sex-based predisposition was noted. These findings emphasize the multifactorial etiology of demodicosis and highlight the importance of nutritional adequacy, housing hygiene, and parasite control in disease prevention and management.
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