Occurrence of cutaneous candidiasis among domestic dogs in Thrissur

The present study was aimed to determine the occurrence of cutaneous candidiasis in dogs. Thirty dogs confirmed positive for Candida spp., by cultural, biochemical and molecular techniques. The occurrence was higher in dogs within the age group of 6 months to 2 years (43%) followed by adult dogs 2 to 6 years (30%), senile dogs more than 6 years (17%) and puppies less than 6 months (10%). The sex predisposition of cutaneous candidiasis did not show any significant differences. The occurrence was higher in Labrador retriever dogs (47%) followed by Dachshund (13%), Pug (10%), Beagle, Shih Tzu and crossbred dogs (7% each). The disease was observed more often in dogs with mixed diet practice (57%) and indoor housing (67%). The predominant clinical signs observed were dermatitis, otitis, intertrigo, paronychia and perineal candidiasis. The lesions were distributed mainly in the ear (54%), skin folds (17%), and combined form (29%). In summary, this research sheds light on the risk factors for cutaneous candidiasis in dogs, highlighting the age groups, breeds, and environmental factors that may influence the occurrence of the condition. The findings provide valuable insights for veterinarians and pet owners, aiding in the understanding and management of cutaneous candidiasis in canines. Keywords: Canine, cutaneous candidiasis, occurrence