Prevalence, intensity of infestation, and risk factors for Otodectes cynotis in young dogs

Given the limited data available on the prevalence of otocariosis in dogs, we evaluated the prevalence, intensity of infestation and risk factors for Otodectes cynotis in dogs from Greece. This study included 581 dogs divided into two age groups: puppies aged <= 3 months and 3 to 6 months. All dogs were examined by otoscopy for the presence of O. cynotis in the ear canal. Intensity of O. cynotis infestation was assessed by microscopic examination and risk factors (sex, hair length, and dogs' origin/living environment) were evaluated. Of 581 examined dogs, 25 (4.3%) were positive for O. cynotis infestation, of which 18 (4.65%) were aged <= 3 months and 7 (3.61%) between 3 and 6 months. Mean intensity of O. cynotis infestation was 22.12 mites/dog. A significant higher overall prevalence of O. cynotis infestation (8.40%) was found in puppies from kennels/shelters than in client-owned puppies (0.94%). Otocariosis is a frequent cause of otitis externa in dogs from Thessaloniki, Greece and occurs with a higher frequency in puppies aged less than 3 months. Dogs originating from kennels and shelters are prone to this parasitosis, reason why a special attention should be given to the preventive measures.