Factors associated with the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis in an ambulatory population of dogs

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis infestations in dogs assisted at the Dermatology Service of the Veterinary Hospital, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. A total of 250 dogs were examined through direct smear of ear samples using a stereoscopic microscope, for the parasitological diagnostic. All dog owners were interviewed and data regarding the animals and their environments were individually recorded. Mite infestation was observed in 15 animals, with a prevalence of 6%. The variables were tested regarding their association with the mites, using the χ2 test and, when appropriate, the Fisher exact test. There were no evidences that age (p = 0,20), sex (p = 0,31), breed (p = 0,50), shape of ear (p = 0,66), type (p = 0,19) and length of hair (p = 0,14) and contact with other animals (p = 0,06) could act as potential risk factors for O. cynotis infestation. However, living environment (p = 0,03) and frequency of environmental cleaning (p = 0,005) may facilitate the infestation. The occurrence of pruritus was associated to the presence of mites (p<0,001), suggesting to be an effect of the parasitism.

Kedi Kulak Uyuzu (Otodectes cynotis) Sıklığı İle İlgili Faktörler

“…However, the present study found no association between age and the presence of mite infestation, though statistical analysis showed that infestation prevalence decreased with age. Some studies have shown that both male and female cats are susceptible [5,9,13,14] . Accordingly, no significant difference was found in the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis in male (24.5%) and female cats (28.6%).…”

“…Many authors have suggested that infestations are more common among animals living in poor environmental conditions and among street animals [5,14] . Degi et al [15] have reported that outdoor cats (84%) are more affected than indoor cats (16%).…”

“…The life cycle, which is completed in the ear, includes larva, protonymph, and deutonymph stages over 18 to 28 days [3,4] . Despite these mites' importance as a cause of otitis externa in cats, information about their prevalence and the factors influencing their survival is lacking [5] . This study attempts to identify the factors related to the frequency of infestations in cats in Alanya, Antalya.…”

Efficacy and safety of sarolaner in the treatment of canine ear mite infestation caused by Otodectes cynotis: a non‐inferiority study

“…Otodectic mange caused by Otodectes cynotis is highly contagious and one of the most common mite infestations in dogs, with up to 6.7% of dog populations infested in some reports . Mites live on the skin surface primarily, deep inside the external ear canal; they may survive in the environment for several weeks; ectopic infestations are reported particularly on the head, tail and neck .…”

Ear Mite (Otodectes cynotis) Induced Otitis Externa and Complicated by Staphylococci Infection in a Persian cat

“…infections are also very common in cats affected by the ear mite as being most frequently isolated microorganisms in such cases (Roy et al, 2011). Evidences of risk factors such as age, sex, breed, shape of ear, type and length of hair effect are usually controversial but contact with other animals may act as potential risk factors (Souza et al, 2008). The degree and extent of damage depend on duration of illness, housing system, litter mates, secondary infection and physiological status of the cat (Khara, 2014).…”