Epidemiological pattern and risk factors associated with infectious canine dermatoses in a tropical urban population

A large portion of clinical cases brought to small animal veterinary institutions are canine dermatological disorders, which are influenced by a variety of epidemiological factors. Evaluating the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors of infectious skin illnesses in dogs presented to a tertiary veterinary clinic in a tropical metropolitan area was the aim of the current study. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Chennai's Saidapet Polyclinic and Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital over a ten-month period. 661 cases were selected for additional examination after screening for dogs exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of dermatological issues. Infectious dermatoses and parasitic infestations were the two groups into which dermatological illnesses were separated based on clinical examination and verified diagnosis. Epidemiological parameters reported and analyzed were age, sex, breed, hair length, season, and type of habitation. Dermatological problems were found to be present in 28.6% of all canine cases reported during the study period. The most often reported infectious skin ailment was bacterial dermatitis (21.3%), which was followed by demodicosis and acariasis (14.8% each), scabies, mycotic dermatitis, and Malassezia dermatitis (13.3% each), and flea allergy dermatitis (9.1%). Infectious dermatoses were most common in young dogs aged one to three, whereas infestations were more common in puppies. Male and female canines were found to be equally at risk. Purebred dogs, particularly Labradors, and short-haired breeds were more likely to get skin infections. Seasonal studies revealed a higher occurrence during the monsoon season, and dogs raised indoors had a higher chance of developing the condition. The findings highlight the significant burden of infectious canine dermatoses and the significance of epidemiological factors in their occurrence in tropical urban environments.