Clinical Diagnosis and Prevalence of Malassezia pachydermatis in suspected dogs at Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, India

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Malassezia pachydermatis in dogs of Chennai City. Total 22 skin scrapings and tape smears were collected from dogs with dermatitis presented at dermatology unit in Madras Veterinary College from April 25,2017 to April 27, 2017. The overall prevalence of Malassezia pachydermatis was found 31.81%. The study revealed that young dogs up to 3 years of age were more susceptible (33.33%) to Malassezia pachydermatis. The prevalence in female is 30.77% and in male is 33.33%. The prevalence in pure breed (50%) is higher than non-descriptive breed (16.67%). Malassezia pachydermatis may act as an aggravating factor in the occurrence of cutaneous diseases and its presence can complicate other diseases such as atopy and food allergy.