Prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs of Shimoga, Karnataka.
A study was carried out to ascertain the status of ecto-parasites infesting dogs of Shimoga region. A total of 120 dogs with the history of skin problems presented to the local hospitals and local pet clinics of Shimoga region were screened for different ecto-parasites. The ticks, fleas and lice were collected, processed and identified. The skin scrapings were also collected from the affected dogs and processed for identification of mites. Out of 120 dogs examined, 59 (49.1 %) had harboured ecto-parasites. Among 59 infested pet dogs, 22 (37.28 %) positive for Fleas, 18 (30.5 %) for ticks, 09 (15.2 %) for Lice, 07 (11.8 %) forSarcopticmange and 03 (5.0 %) were forDemodecticmange conditions. The two species of fleas were identified asCtenocephalides canis13 (59 %) andCtenocephalides felis9 (41 %). The ticks and lice species were identified asRiphicephalus sanguineusandTrichodectus canisrespectively. The mite species infecting dogs were identified asSarcoptes scabeiiandDemodex canisbased on the morphological character. The Prevalence of ectoparasites was more in stray and adults dogs compared to pet dogs and puppies respectively.
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College, Vinoba Nagar, Shimoga, Karnataka 577 204 India.
C M
CM
Krishna Murthy
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College, Vinoba Nagar, Shimoga, Karnataka 577 204 India.
K J
KJ
Ananda
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College, Vinoba Nagar, Shimoga, Karnataka 577 204 India.
J
J
Adeppa
Dogs; Ecto-parasites; Prevalence; Shimoga