Clinical and Diagnostic Investigation of Canine Acariasis Infestation in Domestic Dogs

Abstract

Background:
Canine acariasis refers to a contagious dermatological condition in dogs triggered by various parasitic mites, including Sarcoptes, Demodex, and Otodectes. These parasites either burrow into or inhabit the skin surface, leading to severe hair loss, crust formation, and intense pruritic dermatitis.
Aims: The study aimed to investigation of canine acariasis infestation, effect of sex, age and breed on infection rate of domestic dogs, also comparison the improvement severity of clinical signs before and after treatment with topical acaricide.
Material and methods: The collected skin scrapings were placed onto microscope slides and mixed with a 20% KOH solution. After being cleared through gentle warming and a brief incubation period, the specimens were covered, compressed, and systematically examined via light microscopy under reduced illumination using low- and high-power objectives.
Results:
Out of 50 examined dogs, 40 were positive for canine acariasis infestation (CAI), presenting as localized (62.5%, 25/40) or generalized (37.5%, 15/40) forms, with 50.0% (25/50) displaying otitis externa. The severity of the skin lesions was categorized using a three-tier scoring system: The clinical presentation was graded on a three-point scale: Score 1 indicated mild, widespread scaling absent of tissue thickening or hyperpigmentation. Score 2 was defined by regional patches exhibiting crusted, thickened, or hyperpigmented dermis. Lastly, Score 3 signified widespread zones of severe epidermal thickening and heavy crusting, paired with exfoliating debris and a potent malodor. Three mite species were identified among the 40 positive cases: Sarcoptes scabiei (45.0%), Demodex canis (30.0%), and Otodectes cynotis (25.0%).Regarding risk factors, higher infestation rates were descriptively observed in females (90.0%) than males (73.3%), in dogs aged 3–12 months (85.0%) than those aged 4–7 years (75.0%),