Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Case study: generalised demodicosis in a Chihuahua
- Journal:
- Companion Animal
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Wright, Ian
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Surgeon at Withy Grove Veterinary Surgery, Co-owner of the Mount Veterinary Practice, independent Parasitologist and member of ESCCAP UK · United Kingdom
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This case study looks at a Chihuahua with generalized demodicosis, a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of tiny mites called Demodex canis that live in hair follicles and skin glands. The condition isn't just about the mites; it also involves factors like genetics, the pet's immune system, other skin organisms, and hormones. The study emphasizes that when young dogs show signs of skin issues like flakiness or irritation, demodicosis should be considered as a possible cause. It also highlights that finding the right treatment may take some time and may require trying different options before the skin problems improve.
Abstract
Canine demodicosis is a common dermatosis and occurs when there is excessive proliferation of Demodex canis within the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The mite is not entirely responsible for the pathological process and the disease is multifactorial with genetics, immune status, other cutaneous fauna and hormones all playing a part to varying degrees. The disease is classified as canine localised demodicosis or canine generalised demodicosis according to the extent of the disease. This article considers a case of demodicosis encountered by the author in practice. It demonstrates the need to consider demodicosis as a differential in juvenile onset seborrhea and the need to sometimes consider a variety of treatments before resolution of clinical signs is achieved.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2014.19.7.342