ABSTRACT

Given the limited data available on the prevalence of otocariosis in dogs, we evaluated the prevalence, intensity of infestation and risk factors for Otodectes cynotis in dogs from Greece. This study included 581 dogs divided into two age groups: puppies aged ≤3 months and 3 to 6 months. All dogs were examined by otoscopy for the presence of O. cynotis in the ear canal. Intensity of O. cynotis infestation was assessed by microscopic examination and risk factors (sex, hair length, and dogs’ origin/living environment) were evaluated. Of 581 examined dogs, 25 (4.3%) were positive for O. cynotis infestation, of which 18 (4.65%) were aged ≤3 months and 7 (3.61%) between 3 and 6 months. Mean intensity of O. cynotis infestation was 22.12 mites/dog. A significant higher overall prevalence of O. cynotis infestation (8.40%) was found in puppies from kennels/shelters than in client-owned puppies (0.94%). Otocariosis is a frequent cause of otitis externa in dogs from Thessaloniki, Greece and occurs with a higher frequency in puppies aged less than 3 months. Dogs originating from kennels and shelters are prone to this parasitosis, reason why a special attention should be given to the preventive measures.

摘要

鉴于犬耳螨病患病率的可用数据有限，我们评估了希腊犬耳螨的患病率、感染强度和危险因素。该研究包括 581 只狗，分为两个年龄组：≤ 3 个月和 3 至 6 个月的幼犬。通过耳镜检查所有狗的耳道中是否存在O.cynotis。O. cynotis感染的强度通过显微镜检查和风险因素（性别、毛发长度和狗的起源/生活环境）进行评估。在 581 只接受检查的狗中，25 只 (4.3%) 的O. cynotis感染呈阳性，其中 18 只 (4.65%) 年龄≤3 个月，7 只 (3.61%) 3 至 6 个月。O. cynotis 的平均强度感染为 22.12 只螨虫/狗。犬舍/收容所的幼犬的O. cynotis感染率 (8.40%)显着高于客户拥有的幼犬 (0.94%)。耳螨病是希腊塞萨洛尼基犬的外耳炎的常见原因，在 3 个月以下的幼犬中发生频率更高。来自狗舍和收容所的狗容易感染这种寄生虫，因此应特别注意预防措施。