Changes

'''Breed predilections'''

'''Breed predilections'''

Demodicosis is usually a disease of short haired dogs and is more common in pedigree breeds. Within [[Canine Breeds - WikiNormals|dog breeds]], the Staffordshire bull terrier, German Shepherd dog, Old English Sheepdog, Collies and dalmations are at risk. Additionally it has been reported that there is an increased incidence in Siamese and Burmese cats.

Demodicosis is usually a disease of short haired dogs and is more common in pedigree breeds. Within [[Canine Breeds - WikiNormals|dog breeds]], the Staffordshire bull terrier, German Shepherd dog, Old English Sheepdog, Collies and dalmations are at risk. Additionally within [[Feline Breeds - WikiNormals|cat breeds]] it has been reported that there is an increased incidence in Siamese and Burmese cats.

'''Age predilections'''

'''Age predilections'''

Often animals less than 12 months of age of affected although adult onset is recognised.  

Often animals less than 12 months of age are affected although adult onset is recognised.  

    

    

A lymphadenopathy and pyrexia are also common features of generalised demodicosis. Pododemodicosis can occur with the generalised form and can persist after other lesions have resolved or appear in isolation. This manifests as erythema and secondary infection of the feet.   

A lymphadenopathy and pyrexia are also common features of generalised demodicosis. Pododemodicosis can occur with the generalised form and can persist after other lesions have resolved or appear in isolation. This manifests as erythema and secondary infection of the feet.   

'''Adult Onset Demodicosis:''' Can present as generalised disease or focal alopecia . Onset in adulthood is often associated with internal disease including ([[Adrenal Glands - Pathology#Adrenal Hyperfunction|hyperadrenocorticism]] and [[Thyroid Gland -Pathology#Hypothyroidism|hypothyroidism]]), immunosuppression or neoplasia. Long term use of glucocorticoids in the West Highland white terrier has been associated with adult onset demodicosis.

'''Adult Onset Demodicosis:''' Can present as generalised disease or focal alopecia . Onset in adulthood is often associated with internal disease such as ([[Adrenal Glands - Pathology#Adrenal Hyperfunction|hyperadrenocorticism]], immunosuppression or neoplasia. Long term use of glucocorticoids in the West Highland white terrier has been associated with adult onset demodicosis.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Localised demodicosis in young dogs will often resolve spontaneously.

Localised demodicosis in young dogs will often resolve spontaneously.

In cases of generalised demodicosis: Amitraz (Aludex) should be used as a dip weekly until there is a resolution of clinical signs and skin scrapes are negative for the mite. It is advised to treat with benzoyl peroxide shampoo prior to amitraz treatment to increase exposure of the mites to the amitraz. Side effects of this treatment include lethargy, anorexia, depression, vomiting and diarrhoea.  

In cases of generalised demodicosis: Amitraz (Aludex) should be used as a dip weekly until there is a resolution of clinical signs and skin scrapes are negative for the mite. The mites are not easily accessible to acaricides due to their deep location in the skin and to aid [[Ectoparasiticides|acaricide]] penetration, clipping a dog's coat and washing with benzoyl peroxide shampoo prior to application is recommended. Side effects of this treatment include lethargy, anorexia, depression, vomiting and diarrhoea.  

A spot on treatment containing imidacloprid and moxidectin (advocate) is also licenced to treat demodicosis.  

A spot on treatment containing imidacloprid and moxidectin (advocate) is also licenced to treat demodicosis.  

Any secondary pyoderma present on the animal must also be treated.

Any secondary pyoderma present on the animal must also be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

If the amitraz and imidacloprid-moxidecin combinations are ineffective ivermectin or milbemycin csan be given daily. this treatment is off-licence and requires informed owner consent as well as monitoring for signs of neurological side effects.

If the amitraz and imidacloprid-moxidecin combinations are ineffective or not tolerated ivermectin or milbemycin can be given daily. This treatment is off-licence and requires informed owner consent as well as monitoring of the animal for signs of neurological side effects.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Tilley, L.P, Smith, F.W.K. (2004) The 5-minute veterinary consult. canine and feline. (3rd edition). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Tilley, L.P, Smith, F.W.K. (2004) The 5-minute veterinary consult. canine and feline. (3rd edition). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

 

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

==Control==

==Control==

*Not easily accessible to acaricides due to their deep location in the skin

*

*Repeat treatments needed

*Repeat treatments needed

*Recovery may take several months

*Recovery may take several months

*To aid [[Ectoparasiticides|acaricide]] penetration, clipping a dog's coat and washing is recommended

*

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