Retrospective Prevalence Study of Mange Cases in Dogs Presented with Skin Lesions/Conditions at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria (2007 to 2019)

Abstract

Canine mange is a skin disease caused by mites that causes itching, alopecia, crusted lesions, and erythema. Studies on canine mange have been carried out in various countries, but in Nigeria, there is a dearth of studies regarding the prevalence of mange in dogs with skin lesions/conditions. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of mange cases in dogs presented with skin lesions/conditions at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between 2007 and 2019 (a twelve-year period). A total of 179 cases of skin lesions/conditions were retrieved from clinical case files of dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, with age, breed, and sex being part of the records considered. Descriptive statistics were used in calculating prevalence, while a chi square was used to test for association. Of the 179 cases, mange was the most prevalent (87.2%; 95% CI: 82.1%–91.6%). Out of these cases of mange, 92.9% (95% CI: 89.1%–96.8%) had scabies, while 7.1% (95% CI: 3.2%–10.9%) had demodicosis. There was no significant association (P > 0.05) between mange and breed or sex. The prevalence of mange was highest in old dogs (96.2%) and lowest in adult dogs (78.3%). There was a significant association between the prevalence of mange and age (P < 0.05). Canine mange is highly prevalent in dogs with skin lesions/conditions presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dog owners should spray or dip their pets with an acaricide solution on a frequent basis to reduce mange cases. Fumigation of dog kennels and homes will also help reduce the recurrence.