Studies on prevalence of common dermatological disorders in dogs
Author(s): Swethasri Paduvarahalli Thammanna, Srikala Devarakonda, Shobha Mani Bollam, Raghunath Mulinti and Aman Kumar Tiwari
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.
