Prevalence and Therapeutic Management of Hypothyroidism-Associated Canine Demodicosis in and Around Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Pratibha Kanesh
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & AH (MHOW)-453446 (Indore), NDVSU, MP, India.
H.K. Mehta
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & AH (MHOW)-453446 (Indore), NDVSU, MP, India.
Nidhi S. Choudhary
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & AH (MHOW)-453446 (Indore), NDVSU, MP, India.
Vivek Agrawal
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science & AH (MHOW)-453446 (Indore), NDVSU, MP, India.
Pawan Maheshwari
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & AH (MHOW)-453446 (Indore), NDVSU, MP, India.
Rakesh Dangi *
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & AH (MHOW)-453446 (Indore), NDVSU, MP, India.
Aruna Y.
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & AH (MHOW)-453446 (Indore), NDVSU, MP, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism-associated canine demodicosis in and around Indore, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,177 canine cases were examined between May 2024 and October 2024. The overall prevalence of hypothyroidism-associated demodicosis was found to be 1.19% (14 out of 1,177 cases). The condition was most commonly observed in dogs over 5 years of age, with a higher incidence in males compared to females. Among the breeds, Labrador Retrievers showed a greater susceptibility. Haemato-biochemical analysis revealed reduced hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), lymphocyte count, and serum T4 levels, along with marked leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and eosinophilia. A slight elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was also noted. For treatment, oral administration of levothyroxine sodium at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg body weight once daily for 60 days, Inj. Ivermectin @ 200 μg / kg b.wt. S/C weekly for 4 weeks, Tab. Cephalexin @ 22 mg/kg b.wt. orally BID for 5 days and Tab. Cetirizine HCl @ 1 mg/kg orally OD for 7 days, along with supportive therapy, proved effective in managing hypothyroidism-associated canine demodicosis.
Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Demodicosis, Levothyroxine sodium, Serum T4 hormone