Prevalence of canine demodicosis in Orissa (India)

Examination of the records of 12 hospitals from the five districts of Orissa showed that 50,987 dogs were presented for treatment during the period of 5 years covering 1987-1988 to 1991-1992. Demodicosis was detected in 1697 (3%) cases. There was no difference in the occurrence of the disease in male (51%) and female (49%) dogs. The disease was recorded in 60%, 23% and 17% of dogs up to 1 year, 1-2 years and above 2 years of age respectively, suggesting that young dogs up to 1 year of age are more susceptible. Further study revealed that Tibetan apso are more susceptible (47%) than Doberman (23%), Alsatian (18%) and mongrels (12%). A total of 912 dogs with natural dermatitis were examined during the 5-year period and 35% of the dogs were found to have demodicosis. Out of these, 208 dogs (65%) had localised lesions and 111 (35%) had generalised lesions. The study revealed that dogs up to 1 year of age are more frequently affected (60%) than dogs of 1-2 years (23%) and above 2 years of age (17%). There was no difference between the susceptibility of male (49%) and female (51%) dogs. The prevalence was high in Tibetan apso (41%) as compared to Doberman (26%), Alsatian (16%) and mongrels (17%).