Study the prevalence of canine dermatophytosis in and around MHOW

Abstract

Fungal dermatophytosis are common in dogs, with dermatophytosis being a major cause of infectious superficial folliculitis. Dermatophytes are keratinophilic organisms that invade the skin and hair shafts, producing the characteristic clinical features of folliculitis. Microsporum canis is the most frequently isolated species in dogs, for which the dog acts as an important environmental reservoir. The condition is both contagious and zoonotic; therefore, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to limit environmental contamination and reduce disease transmission, particularly in multi-dog households, kennels and shelter settings. Dermatophytosis may be self-limiting, treatment is recommended to control infection and prevent its spread. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis in dogs in and around Mhow. Diagnosis was based on Wood’s lamp examination, direct microscopic evaluation and fungal culture. Total 1829 dogs were presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Mhow. Out of 1829, 137 dogs were positive for dermatophytosis. An overall prevalence of 24.81% was recorded. Infection was more common in dogs aged six months or above (26.08%) compared with puppies younger than six months (22.22%). Sex-wise prevalence rates of 26.66% in males and 22.58% in females. Among all the dogs screened, breed-wise prevalence was highest in Labradors (8.75%; 12/137), followed by German Shepherds (7.29%; 10/137), Pomeranians (2.91%; 4/137), Golden Retrievers (2.81%; 3/137), and Boxers, Bulldogs, Saint Bernards, Pugs and non-descript dogs, each with a prevalence of 0.72% (1/137).