Treatment of canine generalized demodicosis associated with hyperadrenocorticism with spot-on moxidectin and imidacloprid.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Canine generalized demodicosis associated with hyperadrenocorticism is often problematic and might be intractable. The aim of this study was to report the efficacy of a weekly application of spot-on moxidectin/imidacloprid in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and secondary generalized demodicosis. METHODS: Dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and secondary generalized demodicosis were included. The condition of hyperadrenocorticism was treated and stabilized with trilostane before and throughout the study period in all dogs. RESULTS: Average total live adult mite counts before treatment and after four, eight and 12 weeks of spot-on moxidectin/imidacloprid (2.5/10 mg/kg) applications were 20.1&#xb1;6.3 (range, 13-33), 0.5&#xb1;0.7 (range, 0-2; 6/11 were negative), 0.2&#xb1;0.4 (range, 0-1; 9/11 were negative), 0.2&#xb1;0.4 (range, 0-1; 9/11 were negative) and 0.1&#xb1;0.3 (range, 0-1; 10/11 were negative) respectively; this difference was significant (P<0.001). Ten of 11 dogs (90.1%) achieved clinical remission, as demonstrated by the absence of demodectic mites at any life stage at monthly scrapings for eight consecutive weeks, and maintained remission throughout the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The weekly application of spot-on moxidectin/imidacloprid appeared to be effective and safe against generalized adult onset canine demodicosis associated with hyperadrenocorticism.