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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.
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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.  
They live in hair follicles and infestation may lead to secondary bacterial infection and furunculosis.  
      
==Signalment==
 
==Signalment==
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Often animals less than 12 months of age of affected although adult onset is recognised.  
 
Often animals less than 12 months of age of affected although adult onset is recognised.  
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==Pathogenesis and epidemiology==
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[[Demodex|''Demodex'']] are normal inhabitants of hair follicles and sebaceous glands but *''Demodex canis'' in dogs can be generalised or localised
   
    
 
    
 
==Diagnosis==
 
==Diagnosis==
 
History and clinical signs will often indicate demodicosis. Following hair plucks and skin scrapings mites can be identified microscopically.  
 
History and clinical signs will often indicate demodicosis. Following hair plucks and skin scrapings mites can be identified microscopically.  
In all cases of adult onset demodicosis a detailed investigation must be undertaken.  
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In all cases of adult onset demodicosis a detailed history and medical investigation must be undertaken.  
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==Clinical Signs==
 
==Clinical Signs==
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Crusting, hair loss, grey hyperpigmentation and plugged follicles are typical findings in animals suffering from demodicosis.
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Dogs:
 
Dogs:
 
May be localised or generalised in the dog.
 
May be localised or generalised in the dog.
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'''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.
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Crusting, hair loss, grey hyperpigmentation and plugged follicles are typical findings in animals suffering from demodicosis.
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==Laboratory Tests==
 
==Laboratory Tests==
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Haematology and Biochemistry may be useful in identifying an underlying cause in adult onset demodicosis.
 
==Biopsy==
 
==Biopsy==
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Cutaneous biopsy may be necessary if lesions are chronic, granulomatous or fibrotic.
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==Pathology==
 
==Pathology==
 
==Treatment==
 
==Treatment==
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