Abstract

Skin associated filarid nematodes commonly found in dogs in Kerala are considered non-pathogenic. However, they can occasionally cause eosinophilic dermatitis, which may develop to pyoderma due to secondary bacterial invasions. A 7-year-old, male Labrador Retriever was presented to the Peripheral Veterinary Clinic, Kakkavayal with a complaint of skin lesions n right hind limb. On examination, multifocal areas of alopecia and purulent exudations could be noted on the right hind limb. Wet film examination revealed the presence of microfilariae, which were found to be unsheathed on Leishman staining. Bacteriological culture of the exudate revealed the presence of coagulase negative staphylococci that was sensitive to cephalexin. The animal was successfully treated with ivermectin and cephalexin, supported with pantoprazole. It was concluded that in cases of canine dermatitis involving extremities, wet-film examination can be a valuable tool for diagnosis to rule out the possibilities of filariosis.
 

Keywords : Microfilariosis, Pyoderma, Wet-film, Coagulase negative Staphylococci