Introduction

Few cases of myiasis are described in domestic carnivores.

Objective

Objective of the presentation is to describe myiasis in a cohort of 163 dogs in an animal shelter, monitored over 3.5 years (4 fly activity seasons).

Results

Seven dogs were presented with myiasis; two dogs were presented twice. Overall incidence rate (IR) of myiasis was 5.8 cases per 103 animal-months at risk, or else 0.0058 case per animal-month at risk. Six cases occurred between May to July and three between August to October, giving IRs of 7.7 per 103 animal-months and 3.9 per 103 animal-months, respectively (p = 0.35). Five cases occurred in males and four in females, giving IRs of 7.8 per 103 animal months and 4.3 per 103 animal-months, respectively, (p = 0.41). Three cases were diagnosed as cutaneous myiasis in the thigh, 2 cases as myiasis in the ear canal, 2 in the prepuce, 1 in the toes and 1 case in the vagina. Median time from entrance into the shelter to infestation was 5 months. Wohlfahrtia magnifica larvae were identified. Signs characteristic of local inflammation, in the affected area of the body, were recorded. Treatment included removal of larvae, cleansing, administration of moxidectin and an antimicrobial agent. Recovery took 1.5 months, bar in preputial infestations which required 2.5 months.

Conclusions

The paper presents some information regarding canine myiasis.