Demodex spp is the most common ectoparasite recognized in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Demodex criceti and Demodex aurati are the two distinct species causing demodicosis in hamsters. Five Golden hamsters belongs to different age groups were presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy with alopecia and erythema on the dorsal aspect of the body. Physical conditions of animals were slightly below normal. Examination of deep skin scrapings revealed mites identified as Demodex spp. All the five hamsters were treated with subcutaneous administration of ivermectin @ 0.3mg/kg body weight. Topically amitraz dips were recommended at weekly intervals. Oral multivitamin supplements were also given as supportive therapy. The average time period for complete recovery was found to be five consecutive treatments at 2 weeks interval in all the cases. All the animals made an uneventful recovery by 10 weeks period.

Present study was conducted in Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University farms, various organized and unorganised farms and individual households in Thrissur district during the period of May 2021 to April 2022 with the objectives of estimation of prevalence of subclinical ketosis (SCK) by screening dairy cows on 14th and 28th day post-partum. Multiparous cows with a blood beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) value ≥ 1.2 mmol/L without any overt clinical signs were considered as positive for SCK. One hundred and fourteen animals from second to seventh lactation were screened for SCK. Prevalence of SCK was 23.7 per cent on 14th day and 14.04 per cent on 28th day with a total prevalence of 27.2 per cent. Occurrence of SCK was highest in animals in second lactation (54.8 per cent) with more occurrence in crossbred Holstein Friesian cows. Maximum number of positive cases were observed in dairy cows of age between four to six years (54.8 per cent). Body condition score of diseased animals were higher than normal animals. Prevalence was highest in animals calved between months of July to September and 58.1 per cent of affected animals had male calf. Concurrent abnormalities during transition period were also assessed based on clinical examination and farm records.