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==Description==

==Description==

An inflammatory parasitic disease of dogs and cats caused by [[Demodex]]. The mites are host-specific and can occur in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. There has to be an increased number of immature mites to classify as an infestation. The mite is transmitted from dam to offspring during nursing. The mites live in hair follicles and infestation may lead to secondary bacterial infection and furunculosis.  

An inflammatory parasitic disease of dogs and cats caused by [[''Demodex'']]. The mites are host-specific and can occur in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. There has to be an increased number of immature mites to classify as an infestation. The mite is transmitted from dam to offspring during nursing. The mites live in hair follicles and infestation may lead to secondary bacterial infection and furunculosis.  

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

    

    

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

History and clinical signs will often indicate demodicosis. Deep skin scraping reveals[[Demodex| Demodex]] mites, eggs and larval forms in high numbers. Hair plucks can also demonstrate mites microscopically.  

History and clinical signs will often indicate demodicosis. Deep skin scraping reveals[[Demodex| ''Demodex'']] mites, eggs and larval forms in high numbers. Hair plucks can also demonstrate mites microscopically.  

In all cases of adult onset demodicosis a detailed history and medical investigation must be undertaken to identify an underlying systemic disease.  

In all cases of adult onset demodicosis a detailed history and medical investigation must be undertaken to identify an underlying systemic disease.  

==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. The mites are not easily accessible to acaricides due to their deep location in the skin and to aid amitraz 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.  

In cases of generalised demodicosis: Amitraz (Aludex, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health) 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 amitraz 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, Bayer) is also licenced to treat demodicosis.  

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

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

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.

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.