Changes

May be localised or generalised in the dog.

May be localised or generalised in the dog.

Localised demodicosis:  Typically seen in dogs 3-6 months of age and 90% of cases will heal spontaneously.  Signs are of a mild non- pruritic alopecia in some cases erythema and a fine scale.  Lesions are most commonly found on the head particularly around the periocular region and the forelimbs.

'''Localised demodicosis:''' Typically seen in dogs 3-6 months of age and 90% of cases will heal spontaneously.  Signs are of a mild non- pruritic alopecia in some cases erythema and a fine scale.  Lesions are most commonly found on the head particularly around the periocular region and the forelimbs.

Generalised demodicosis:

'''Generalised demodicosis:'''

Most commonly occurs in dogs between 3-12 months of age.  Can be widespread from the beginning and lesions can range from multiple poorly circumscribed areas of erythema, alopecia and scale  to generalised pustules often  resulting in rupture of the hair follicle (furunculosis).

Most commonly occurs in dogs between 3-12 months of age.  Can be widespread from the beginning and lesions can range from multiple poorly circumscribed areas of erythema, alopecia and scale  to generalised pustules often  resulting in rupture of the hair follicle (furunculosis).

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 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.

Crusting, hair loss, grey hyperpigmentation and plugged follicles are typical findings in animals suffering from demodicosis.  

Crusting, hair loss, grey hyperpigmentation and plugged follicles are typical findings in animals suffering from demodicosis.