Determination of Malassezia spp. infection and flea allergy incidences in pet dogs found in Kırıkkale and Ankara regions

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the incidences of malassezia infection and flea allergy in dogs with dermatitis complaints which were brought to veternarians for examination in Ankara and Kırıkkale provinces. Materials and Methods: The material for this study consists of pet dogs of different breeds, genders and ages found in the Ankara and Kırıkkale provinces of Turkey. Malassezia examination was conducted by staining smear samples taken with the acetate band method with Modified Wright’s Stain method. Flea existency examination was performed by using a flea comb. Findings: Out of the 40 dogs with dermatitis which were included in this study, 6 dogs(15%) were found to have malassezia infection while 12 dogs(30%) were found to have flea infestation Result: In light of the results that were found in this study, malassezia and flea infestation hold an important place for dogs which were brought with complaints of dermatitis to veterinary clinics for examination in Ankara and Kırıkkale provinces. Clinical veterinarians must keep in mind that, there is high incidence rates of these 2 dermatitis causing agents and also remember to especially consider them in the list of differential diagnosis.