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Commonly affects the dog and more rarely the cat.  

Commonly affects the dog and more rarely the cat.  

'''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 within [[Feline Breeds - WikiNormals|cat breeds]] 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 are affected although adult onset is recognised.  

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

    

    

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

History and clinical signs will often indicate demodicosis. Following hair plucks and skin scrapings [[Demodex| Demodex]] mites can be identified microscopically.  

History and clinical signs will often indicate demodicosis. Deep skin scraping reveal[[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.  

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

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Dogs:

Dogs:

May be localised or generalised in the dog.

May be localised or generalised.

'''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. 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 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.

'''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.