Prevalence of canine dermatophytosis in semi-arid Jaipur, Rajasthan.

A total of 109 dogs of 6 months of age to breedable adults suffering from alopecia, erythema and itching were thoroughly investigated for dermatophytes using standard techniques and in vitro cultural characteristics of the pathogens. Overall prevalence of dermatophytosis in dogs was 41.28%. Interestingly, infection with Microsporum spp. was predominant in 41 of 45 positive samples (91.11%), whereas infection with Trichophyton spp. was observed in three of 45 positive samples (6.67%). Higher prevalence (51.1%) of the dermatophytosis was recorded during pre-monsoon and/or monsoon months extending from June-October. Further role of epidemiological determinants vis-a-vis prevalence of the disease have also been discussed.