Canine Lice
" Canine Lice, (singular louse) are ectoparasites, which are flat and host specific. Lice live on hairs and on the skin, depending upon environmental and reproductive factors. Lice cannot fly or jump, and are obligatory (live on one host for their entire life) and host specific. They are transmitted through contact only, and cannot jump or fly from one host to the other. There are two types of dog lice; Anoplura (Sucking Lice) and Mallophaga (Biting Lice). Different species like Linognathus setosus (a sucking louse), Trichodectes canis and Heterodoxus spiniger (Biting Lice) can infest dogs. Dog lice can also act as carriers of different worms, like tapeworms or filarial worms. Lice on dogs can cause a rough coat, pruritus (itch), anemia (deficiency of red blood cells), matted hair and small wounds depending upon the specie; which has infested the canine. Diagnosis usually involves a clinical examination of the coat and matted hairs, lice or ovum (egg) can also be found on the coat. Lice can be eliminated with dips, wash and sprays containing a number of drugs."
Types of Canine lice:
Dogs may be infested with a few species of lice; they may be either be sucking or biting lice.
- Anoplura
(Sucking
Lice): Linognathus
setosus is the
only specie of sucking lice infesting
dogs. Linognathus setosus are usually 2–3 mm in
length and have three pairs of legs; the third pair of legs is larger
than the other two pairs. Linognathus setosus are
sucking lice, and may cause rough a coat, matted hair and anaemia. This
species of lice does not move freely over the body and they usually
appear deep, nearer to the base of the hair.
- Mallophaga (Biting or Chewing Lice): Two species of Mallophagas; which infests dogs commonly are Trichodectes canis and Heterodoxus spiniger. Biting or chewing lice are usually seen slowly moving over the body’s surface. They usually occur on the head, neck and tail but generalized there is a heavy infestations. The lice are usually 2–4 mm in size and may also act as carriers for tapeworms and filarial worms.
Signs & Symptoms of Canine lice:
Generally, dog lice is characterized by pruritus (severe itching), greasy and matted hair, rubbing, scratching and irritation. Dogs appear to have rough coats and dry skin. These symptoms may also be a sign of anemia in puppies and aged dogs.
Alopecia (hair loss) is another sign associated with dog lice infestation. Note that crawling, irritation and biting may result in nervousness and fear in infested dogs.Diagnosis of Dog Lice:
Dog lice can be detected by the clinical signs and observation. Diagnosis can usually be completed by the naked eye. However, differentiating between the types of lice requires a parasitological observation, under a microscope in a laboratory.
Treatment of Canine lice:
Treatment of lice on dogs is simple and can easily be eliminated; as compared to other skin parasites and can be controlled by use of insecticides or drugs.
Shampooing and washing is the best mode of management. Any Shampoo and remedy containing pyrethrins, permethrins, rotenone, diazinon etc. can be very effective such as Virbac Ecto-Soothe 3x Tick, Flea & Lice Shampoo.
Whole body sprays and dusting with pyrethrins is also another way to eliminate canine lice.Ivermectin is another option to eliminate dog lice, but is not recommended, due to side effects. A simpler way to treat canine lice, i.e., would be to shampoo with pyrithrins.
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References:
A. Zajac.,
AAVP, et all. Veterinary Clinical Parasitology
Wiley Blackwell. 2006)
G. Mullen, A. Durden. Medical and Veterinary Entomology (Academic Press. 2002)
