Assessment of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Doramectin with and Without Levamisole in Managing Canine Demodicosis

Background: Canine demodicosis, a parasitic skin disease, is known to T-cell suppression causing immunosuppression. The use of immunomodulators in the treatment of demodicosis along with a miticidal agent needs to be assessed. Methods: 12 dogs positive for demodicosis, on the basis of skin scraping examination, were divided into 2 groups of 6 dogs each and were treated with weekly inj. Doramectin @ 0.6 mg/kg body weight s/c alone and in combination with tab. Levamisole @ 2.5 mg/kg body weight weekly. Clinical progress was assessed based on skin scraping and haemato-biochemical examination. Immunomodulation was assessed using ANAE staining technique. Result: All of the demodectic dogs showed a borderline reduction in Hb, PCV and TEC levels which showed a non-significant yet apparent rise after treatment. Also, there was leucocytosis, accompanied by neutrophilia, eosinophilia and lymphopenia that resolved significantly with treatment. Demodectic dogs had normal ALT and AST levels, normal serum total protein, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia and reduced A:G ratio. The ANAE-positive cells (T lymphocytes) were reduced in demodectic dogs on day 0 and increased highly significantly in both groups on day 42. Both groups showed 83.33% recovery and 98.04% reduction in mite count on day 42. Hence, combination of doramectin and levamisole therapy can be used for efficient management of canine demodicosis.