An Update on Pathological Changes in Canine Demodicosis

Abstract

Canine demodicosis is an important parasitic skin disease associated with proliferation of Demodex mites in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, leading to dermatological and systemic alterations. A total of 240 dermatitis cases studied in dogs at Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan, from the period of September 2018 to February 2019. Out of these, 25 dogs were positive for demodicosis was diagnosed by examination of deep skin scrapings. In this study, 19 were affected with generalised demodicosis and 6 were affected with localized demodicosis. In deep skin scrapings, demodectic mites were detected. Haematological studies in canine demodicosis cases revealed anemia, leucocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphopenia and eosinophilia. Serum biochemistry in canine demodicosis cases revealed hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, increased level of SGPT and SGOT. Mineral study in the canine demodicosis revealed decreased level of serum zinc, copper and iron. Histopathological changes in canine demodicosis showed desquamation and degeneration of external root sheath cells with pigment deposition, necrotic hair follicle markedly distended and filled with keratin, debris and purulent material. In present study histopathology revealed cross section of the mite in the epidermis with hyperpigmentation.