Trichodectes canis (1)

Question 1

What are the hosts?

Answer 1

Dogs

Question 2

How do you identify?

Answer 2

Up to 2 mm

Yellowish color

Biting/chewing mouthparts

Active louse

Question 3

Explain the life cycle

Answer 3

Female lays eggs

Develop to nymphs and adults

Require host to complete life cycle

Transmission: direct contact with infected animal, fomites

Question 4

What are the sites of infestation?

Answer 4

Hair

Skin

Ears

Head

Neck

Tail

Can spread throughout body

Question 5

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 5

More prevalent in very young, old, or debilitated animals

Unsanitary environments

Some breeds of dogs tend to have more of a predilection toward lice infestation

Little irritation, except in heavy infestation

 - Heavy infestations - in neglected and underfed animals
        - Pruritis 
        - Restlessness 
        - Alopecia
        - Scratching
        - Ruffled/matted coat

Anemia

IH for Dipylidium caninum

Question 6

How do you diagnose?

Answer 6

Identification of louse

Question 7

How to treat and prevent?

Answer 7

Avoid direct contact with brushes, combs, and blankets

Recent products include MCLs

Readily treated with flea control
- Some products require treatment to be repeated in a week

Monthly control of fleas controls lice

Question 8

What are the common names?

Answer 8

Canine biting louse

Canine chewing louse