Management of Concurrent Flea Allergy Dermatitis and Dipylidium caninum Infestation in a Dog

A Bhutia dog was presented with intense pruritus, alopecia and erythema. Upon physical examination, it was observed that skin was shabby with small patches of congestion and adult fleas were moving all over the body. Faecal examination revealed characterstic cucumber seed shaped gravid segments of tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. Diagnosis of flea bite allergic dermatitis was based on presence of adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on body surface and lesion type and location. The dog was treated with Abamectin pour-on @ 500 μg/kg b.wt. topically for three times at weekly interval and Praziquantel @ 10 mg/kg b.wt. once orally. Supportive therapy included anti-histaminics, multivitamins and minerals supplementation. Treatment resulted in complete control of flea infestation. Clinical recovery was evaluated on basis of absence of pruritis, erythematous lesions and fleas and negative faecal sample.