Clinical signs and hematological changes in dogs with ectoparasitic dermatitis

Ectoparasitic diseases are widespread among dogs. They cause dermatitis of varying severity, which can be complicated by bacterial and fungal infections. These diseases worsen the quality of life for the animal and cause significant discomfort to the owners. The aim of the study is to identify the ectoparasitic fauna of dogs, characterize clinical signs, general status of the organism, and diagnostic criteria. Dogs of different breeds and age groups were studied. Clinical, hematological, parasitological studies, and statistical processing of the obtained material were conducted. The number of dogs suffering from parasitic dermatitis accounted for 14 % of all patients in 2024. The main diseases were Ctenidocephalidosis (39 %), Otodectosis (26 %), Trichodectosis (19 %), Sarcoptosis (6 %), Demodicosis (6 %), and Cheyletiosis (4 %). Clinical signs of these diseases were characterized by the development of dermatitis with irregularly shaped alopecia. The process was accompanied by itching, except for Demodicosis. Some diseases revealed characteristic clinical signs. For example, Sarcoptosis was accompanied by the formation of papules with liquid content, from which visible burrows made by the pathogen could be seen. Cheyletiosis was characterized by the presence of fine dandruff in the undercoat, resembling flour. Demodicosis formed papules and pustules that merged, but itching was absent. Hematological studies revealed a decrease in hemoglobin levels (except for Demodicosis), which was especially pronounced in Sarcoptosis, an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis, which was most pronounced in Sarcoptosis and Demodicosis. The leukocyte formula showed eosinophilia, basophilia, and band neutrophilia in all diseases. Significant lymphocytopenia was found in Demodicosis and Sarcoptosis. These changes characterize a systemic inflammatory response and indicate that ectoparasitoses are diseases of the entire organism of the animal. The most pronounced changes in hematological parameters were observed in Sarcoptosis, Demodicosis, and Ctenidocephalidosis.