Diagnosis and Management of Demodicosis in Dogs

Demodicosis is the most common skin condition predominantly found in canines. Demodex is a cigar shaped mite which normally grow in hair follicles. Overgrowth of these mites in the follicles will result in a condition called Demodicosis. Fifteen dogs with signs and lesions suggestive for demodicosis were subjected for skin scraping, tape impression and hair pluck from the same area and examined under microscope for confirmation of demodicosis. Positive dogs were treated with oral ivermectin @400mcg daily for three weeks along with other supplements and topical amitraz. Dogs that were treated with both ivermectin and amitraz showed a marked recovery.