Studies on prevalence of common dermatological disorders in dogs

Abstract

Skin is the outermost and largest organ of the body. The important function of the skin is to protect from physical damage, bacterial invasion and to control the body temperature. A study was undertaken on the prevalence of common dermatological conditions in dogs presented to the SVVU Super Speciality Veterinary Hospital, Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh from July 2022 to December 2022. A total of 4583 dogs were presented to dermatological wards, of which 2764 (60.3%) accounted for various dermatological disorders. Occurrence of common dermatological disorders analyzed in relation to age, breed and gender revealed highest prevalence in 4-8 year-old dogs (39.54%), in males (61.28%) and in Spitz (20.11%) followed by German Shepherd (14.25%), and Labrador Retriever (12.84%). Common dermatological disorders diagnosed were tick infestation (63.74%), followed by contact dermatitis (51.6%), pyoderma (35.56%), demodicosis (28.38%), lice infestation, acral lick dermatitis, Malassezia dermatitis, otitis externa, flea allergic dermatitis, cutaneous neoplasia, food hypersensitivity, and scabies with a lowest prevalence of hypothyroidism. A diagnosis or recommendation for treatment was done based on the presenting clinical signs, physical examination and various diagnostic tests.