Prevalence, clinical presentation, and therapeutic outcome of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Skin diseases are usually chronic in nature but not life-threatening. They affect the well-being and pose a threat to the general health of the affected animals. Aim: This study aimed to investigate epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in a number of Egyptian governorates. Methods: Ninety dogs (58 males and 32 females) aged from one month to eleven years from six Egyptian governorates were clinically examined during the years 2022 and 2023. Skin scraping samples were taken from all examined dogs, and deep ear swab specimens from five dogs suspected to have ear mites were obtained and parasitologically examined. Different ectoparasites were classified according to their morphological features. Twenty dogs were treated in four different patterns of administration of local, systemic, and supportive medications. Results: The prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in examined dogs was 64% (58/90). The majority of ectoparasitic infestations (50/58) were single, while the rest (8/58) were mixed. Ninespecies of ectoparasites of fourtaxa were identified: a tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus); which had the highest prevalence among isolated ectoparasites from dogs (29%, 26/90), three flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides orientis and Ctenocephalides felis) isolated from 18 out of 90 cases (20%), two types of dog chewing louse species (Trichodectes canis and Heterodoxus spiniger) isolated from 2/90 (2.2%) and three mite species: Demodex canis (18/90, 20%), Sarcoptes scabei var. canis (5/90, 6%) and Otodectes cynotis (2/90, 2.2%). The logistic regression analysis of the potential risk factors associated with the prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs revealed that the age, breed, housing environment, habitat, and season were the significant factors affecting the prevalence of ectoparasites (p<0.05 in contrast dog gender did not have a significant effect. Treated dogs showed variations in recovery times and dogs received ancillary treatment showed rapid skin improvement and hair regrowth. Doramectin was effective against ticks and fleas, but Fluralaner was more effective against Demodex mites. Conclusion: The prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs in Egypt could be considered as high and necessitates efforts toward accurate diagnosis, treatment, and control to reduce their impact on animal and public health.