A Comprehensive Epidemiological Study on Dermatophytosis in Dogs in Jabalpur, India

Dermatophytosis is a contagious fungal infection of keratinized tissue. The disease is of significant veterinary and public health importance due to its zoonotic potential, posing risks to both animals and humans. The present study was undertaken to investigate occurrence of dermatophytosis in dogs. During the study period, from May to October 2024, a total of 2468 dogs were screened which were presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur (M.P.). Among them, 225 dogs were suspected for dermatological disorders and 43 dogs were found to be positive for dermatophytosis. The occurrence of different dermatological disorders was recorded highest in Pyoderma (20.89%), followed by dermatophytosis (19.11%), others (18.67%), Malassezia dermatitis (15.11%), mange in (13.78%) and tick and flea infestation (12.44%). The overall occurrence of dermatophytosis in dogs was recorded as 1.74% and among the suspected dogs, the occurrence was 19.11%. Age wise occurrence was significantly higher in 0-1 years of age (38.10%). Gender wise occurrence was observed significantly higher in males (25.93%). The breed wise highest occurrence of dermatophytosis was recorded in the Labrador breed of dogs (24.39%). The most prevalent clinical signs observed in canine dermatophytosis were alopecia (86.00%), scales (74.40%), crusts (74.40%), circular lesions (72.10%), pruritis (58.10%), erythema (51.20%), hyperpigmentation (46.50) and pustules and papules (34.90%). The lesions were predominantly seen on hind limbs (69.77%) followed by forelimbs (67.44%), dorsum (65.12%), face, head and neck (62.79%), paws (55.81%), interdigital space (48.84%), tail (41.86%) and abdomen (13.95%).