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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 increased numbers 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==

==Laboratory Tests==

==Laboratory Tests==

Haematology and Biochemistry may be useful in identifying an underlying cause in adult onset demodicosis.

Haematology and Biochemistry may be useful in identifying an underlying cause in adult onset demodicosis.

==Biopsy==

==Biopsy==

Cutaneous biopsy may be necessary if lesions are chronic, granulomatous or fibrotic.

Cutaneous biopsy may be necessary if lesions are chronic, granulomatous or fibrotic.

==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.

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.  

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.

Adult-onset dogs are often refractory to treatment.

Adult-onset dogs are often refractory to treatment.

==References==

==References==