Prevalence of demodicosis in cats in and around Mhow (M.P.)

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of demodicosis in cats presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mhow (M.P.), government Veterinary hospital and private pet clinics Indore. A total of 140 cats (male 69 and female 71) having dermatitis were examined and sixteen cats (11.42%) were found positive for demodicosis. The prevalence of demodicosis was found higher in cats of 6-18 months of age (37.5%). Infestation of Demodex was significantly (p<0.05) higher in male (62.5%) than female (37.5%) cats. Grossly, alopecia, redness of skin, hyperkeratinization, crusts and pruritus were found. The results indicated that companion animals in and around the Mhow are susceptible to Demodex spp. Infestation.