Demodicosis is an invasive disease caused by a microscopic mite. It is characterized by dermatitis, local alopecia. Accompanied by pustular, papular rashes on the skin, and immunodeficiency. Demodex mite is localized not only on the skin, but also tends to penetrate the subcutaneous tissue and even the lymphatic system.
Forms of the disease
There are the following variants of demodicosis:
- squamous(scaly) - the formation of bran-like scales of copper-red color on the scalp and limbs;
- pustular- the formation of vesicles on the skin filled with pus;
- generalized- simultaneous manifestation of the first and second forms of the disease with lesions of significant areas of the skin.
Introduction to Therapy
Treatment of generalized demodicosis is a long process, difficult to predict and requires great patience from the dog owner. In each specific case of the disease, an individual approach is important, since there is no specific scheme for getting rid of a tick that helps absolutely all pets.
In any case, to start with differential diagnosis, excluding the following diseases:, lichen, sarcoptic mange, syphunculatosis, dermatitis.
The principle of therapy stands on two pillars: the complete destruction of the tick population and the elimination of all predisposing factors (poor maintenance, weak immunity, improper feeding, etc.).
Main Rules
During medical measures to achieve maximum effect you will need:
Given the insidiousness of demodicosis, the main strategy is not to relax and not stop there!
- a control deep skin scraping is required every 3-4 weeks from the start of treatment;
- continue treatment until you get three in a row negative results bacterioscopy for the presence of mites, regardless of visible improvement appearance and condition of the dog.
The difficulty of getting rid of a tick with acaricidal external agents is associated with their vital activity not only on the skin, but also in the subcutaneous tissue, and in the lymph nodes, where the ointment cannot penetrate, therefore, in many cases, one has to resort to complex treatment(ointments, injections and tablets).
Specific drugs
Amitraz
It ranks first in terms of effectiveness in defeating demodicosis in dogs.
Principle of treatment and dosage:
- dogs with long hair are cut short and washed with a keratolytic shampoo containing sulfur;
- the drug is diluted warm water according to the instructions, the animal is bathed in the resulting solution, allowing it to dry naturally or dried with a hair dryer (you cannot use a towel for drying),
- each time only a new solution is used,
- the treatment is repeated every 10-14 days until three consecutive negative results are obtained from skin scrapings (in most cases, 6 treatments should be enough),
Chronic course may require more long course treatment with large doses of amitraz, but in this case there is a possibility of side effects in the form of poisoning, depression of the nervous system, a decrease in body temperature, an increase in blood sugar, in addition, there were deaths among Chihuahuas.
In the absence of a therapeutic effect from the use of the usual dose, it is increased by two, sometimes three times, and the number of treatments is adjusted to 1 time per week.
All decisions to change the dosage should only be made by a specialist. It is desirable to carry out the treatment in a clinic setting in order to immediately resuscitate the animal if necessary.
Amitraz is prescribed with extreme caution:
- dogs with diabetes;
- puppies under 4 months old
- animals with pronounced pyoderma, the presence of drainage channels (purulent fistulas) - treatment with amitraz in this case is possible only after a course of antibiotics.
Avermectin drugs
Ivermectin
It can be put in second place in terms of the effectiveness of therapy.
Basics of application and dosage:
For treatment, both the injection form of the drug for subcutaneous administration (approximate dose 0.4 mg / kg) and in the form of tablets (approximate dose 0.6 mg / kg 1 time per day) are used. On average, the duration of treatment is about 5-6 weeks, after which there is a significant improvement. general condition animal.
Avermectin preparations are usually prescribed to those dogs that do not have a positive trend from treatment with amitraz. Unfortunately, long-term use of drugs in high doses in almost 100% of cases causes a hepatotoxic effect, which should not be forgotten. Therefore, the course of therapy is accompanied by monitoring the state of the liver and taking hepatoprotectors to minimize the risk of developing hepatitis.
Peculiarities:
- not recommended for use in puppies under 6 months of age;
- it is forbidden to use bobtails (these breeds have a high degree of penetration active substance drug to the central nervous system and its accumulation there, which significantly increases the toxic effect on the body).
Organophosphorus compounds
In the recent past, organophosphate preparations (chlorophos, ronnel, etc.) were used to combat demodicosis, but in recent times more and more veterinarians refuse this method of treatment due to high toxic effect these funds.
Nevertheless, the relatively safe cythioate belongs to the same group. The drug is available in the form of tablets and is designed to get rid of fleas, but it also perfectly destroys adults (sexually mature) ticks.
Restrictions on the use of cythiotate:
- absolute contraindication for use in Greykhanuds (there is a possibility of developing muscle tremor and increased excitability);
- it is impossible for pregnant bitches, malnourished animals;
- dogs after stress;
- with anemia.
Apply twice a week for 45 days (10 mg/kg).
Treatment regimens
As mentioned above, there is no single scheme for getting rid of subcutaneous tick and all appointments must be done by a professional. In extreme cases (for example, when there is no way to see a specialist), the most common treatment options can be considered. They are not a dogma, and even more so a guide to action for self-treatment.
Scheme 1
Suitable for the treatment of a generalized form of demodicosis complicated by staphylococcus aureus and / or fungus.
- Nystatin with tetracycline - 10 days, a week later Trichopolum - 10 days.
- Simultaneously with chemotherapy, marasasd is applied externally every five days three times. Marasasd - a mixture of purified sunflower oil and ASD-3, has a bactericidal, fungicidal property with a weak acaricidal effect, accelerates the process of regeneration of the skin, promotes rapid growth hair.
- Zooshampoo with keratolytic action to soften the crusts before applying the oil emulsion.
- Ectomin (acaricide in the form of an emulsion) for washing areas of baldness.
- Dietary feeding.
Scheme 2
Good results are obtained by the following variant of complex treatment:
- Subcutaneous administration of Ivomec twice with an interval of 7 days - a dose of 0.2-0.3 ml per 10 kg of live weight.
- Sulfur-tar ointment for external use on the affected areas for the first 7-10 days daily, then 1 time per week.
- Alimentary (food) sulfur (5 mg / kg) - give at least 1 month.
Scheme 3
- Drinking Novomek or equivalent (ivomek, baymek, ivermag, ivermectin), the dose should be calculated based on the dog's live weight.
- Antibiotics to suppress the development of secondary microflora.
- Imaverol is an antifungal agent for treating affected areas of the body.
- For decreasing skin itching and inflammation-relieving tea tree oil.
- Chlorhexidine (miramistin) for disinfection and removal of crusts.
- Wash every 5-7 days with any medicated shampoo for dogs.
Scheme 4
Please note that the treatment of demodicosis with folk remedies is not practiced in veterinary medicine; highly effective medicines are always required against ticks.
Demodicosis is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs. Most often get sick german shepherds, rottweilers, cocker spaniels, boxers, french bulldogs, Dobermans, Great Danes And Dachshunds.
The critical age is 1-2 years, and in puppies the disease is detected starting as early as 3 weeks (8). A person is also sick with demodicosis, however, reliable cases of discharge from him canine or feline species mites have not yet been described.
For example, the fact of carriage of this tick in a number of short-haired breeds of dogs (Rottweiler, Boxer, Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog) is well known, so the detection of D. canis in a dog is not yet a signal of invasion.
Demodicosis has a certain seasonality: most often Clinical signs appear from May to September. This is due to the fact that in warm weather, the already short tick development cycle is halved and is about 2 weeks. This feature determines the complexity of the struggle in the summer, since the female manages to lay many eggs in a short time.
The development of demodicosis is often promoted by improper feeding.(especially with regard to protein and vitamins), past infectious diseases, helminthic invasion, severe stress, rickets, cosmetic surgery, immunosuppressive (chemo- and glucocorticoid) therapy, or long-term treatment antibiotics. Usually, the invasion develops against the background of immunodeficiency, often congenital. Among the primary immunodeficiencies, against which demodicosis occurs, we can distinguish IgA deficiency, as well as hereditary deficiency of immunity mediated by T-lymphocytes, the prognosis in such cases varies from cautious to unfavorable. The genetic susceptibility of dogs, predisposing to the development of this invasion, is manifested in the inability to develop delayed-type hypersensitivity in response to intradermal injection of Demodex antigens.
Many studies have shown that immunity suffers with demodicosis, erythrocytopenia, leukocytosis, lymphocytopenia, and monocytosis develop (6, 8).
Pathology is almost always accompanied by secondary microbial and fungal infections, sometimes by other invasions. These complications, as a rule, aggravate the course of the disease, intoxication, provoke dysbacteriosis, which is reflected in the biochemical and clinical parameters. So, in severe demodicosis, when ticks can be found in the intestinal walls, liver parenchyma cells and other internal organs, there is a significant increase in total bilirubin, an average of 5-7 times (6).
Depending on the course of the disease, three main forms of demodicosis are traditionally distinguished:
- scaly (lighter),
- pustular
- generalized.
In a severe form of a secondary fungal or bacterial (most often staphylococcal) infection and a generalized nature, sepsis can develop, which is fatal for the animal, treatment in these extremely rare cases is extremely difficult.
It is obvious that the versatility of flow forms and complex nature The development of the disease requires the creation of a whole range of therapeutic measures: it should include both specific therapy based on the use of acaricidal drugs, and systemic maintenance therapy with the indispensable inclusion of modern immunostimulants. Since the generalized form of demodicosis is not local, but common disease of the whole organism, then therapy should include antimicrobial, antifungal, antitoxic, adaptive, immunoprotective and immunomodulatory approaches (6).
Of the acaricides, preparations based on amitraz are often prescribed, as well as ivermectin (ivomec), milbemycin, tiguvon (contains fenthion - 0.0-dimethyl-0-(3-methyl-4-methylthiophenyl)-thiophosphate), an oral preparation " Sayfly "(contains cythioate - O-(4-amidosulfonylphenyl) -0,0-di-methylthiophosphate), etc.
In Western European countries, milbemycin is also used - a drug for the prevention of heartworm infection, effective in demodicosis. It is a macrolide produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Its mechanism of action is to disrupt neurotransmission y-aminobutyric acid in invertebrates. Compared to amitraz, milbemycin shows no side effects when used at recommended dosages, including in breeds sensitive to ivermectin. The effectiveness of therapy with drugs based on it is higher than with the use of drugs, active substance which is amitraz (10). However, treatment with milbemycin, as well as with amitraz, is desirable to start in a hospital, so that in case of poisoning it is possible to take immediate measures, or to prescribe them together with Gamavit, which reduces the toxicity of these compounds.
In some cases, ticks develop inherited resistance to ivermectin (2). Apparently, this in a number of cases observed in the USA and Western Europe, explains the almost zero effectiveness of ivermectin in the treatment of demodicosis. Nevertheless, in the treatment of a generalized form of demodicosis, ivermectin is perhaps the only treatment for dogs that are at risk of being euthanized after their owners have exhausted their options. local treatment amitraz drugs.
As for "Saifli", then its advantage lies in oral administration and lack adverse reactions However, the course of treatment is long - up to 6 months.
Overall, generalized demodicosis in dogs remains one of the most difficult to treat. skin diseases, and none of the new drugs guarantee success.
Demodicosis, especially the generalized form, develops, as a rule, against the background of immunosuppression. In its treatment, it is advisable to prescribe modern immunomodulatory drugs (5). Among them, Fosprenil has a certain advantage, which also has antiviral properties. It not only stimulates the immune system, correcting immunosuppression, but also has a high hepatoprotective activity - an extremely important property in the treatment of demodicosis, when the liver can function at its limit. Here, fosprenil is preferable to even Essentiale Forte: mites feed on the secret sebaceous glands and multiply more actively, receiving food enriched (especially with B vitamins), and Essentiale Forte is a preparation with quite a wide range vitamins and phospholipids. On the other hand, when using the immunomodulator Maksidin, a faster improvement in the skin condition is noted.
The use of corticosteroids for demodicosis is generally not warranted because dogs with a generalized form often develop secondary bacterial pyoderma, often life threatening animal. On the contrary, to prevent the development of secondary infections, Salmosan is shown - a polysaccharide of the O-somatic antigen of Salmonella, which is used to increase nonspecific resistance.
In the scaly form of the disease, it is desirable to additionally prescribe vitamin E (flax oil, milk thistle), which stimulates skin regeneration and improves hairline.
In any form of the disease, Gamavit is indicated, which is not only an adaptogen, but also a universal detoxifier. It significantly reduces the toxicity of acaricides, and in combination with salmosan, its antitoxic effectiveness increases (4). Important indication for the use of gamavit is its antioxidant activity, which helps to neutralize harmful effects free radicals and toxic decay products. In addition, the introduction of gamavit normalizes the blood formula.
In any form of demodicosis, the appointment of the Gamabiol balm is indicated, which effectively relieves inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. With its appointment, even with severe extensive skin lesions, fast healing and cleansing of the skin. Apparently, the high efficiency of Gamabiol in suppressing skin inflammation is determined by the combination of polyprenols and terpenoids, which accelerate regeneration processes, have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects and improve microcirculation in the skin, with hyaluronic acid, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, improves tissue blood supply and increases the bioavailability of other components of the drug. .
LITERATURE:
1, Vasiliev I,K. The use of Gamabiol balm in small pets. - Zooindustry, 2008,
2, Viktorov A.V., Drinyaev V.A., Ivermectin, Development of resistance // Veterinary, No. 4, 2002, -C, 50-54,
3, Makarov V.V. Vasilevich F.I., Muravleva T.V., Soshenko L.P., Negussie B.T., Manichev A.A., Sereda SV., Molchanov I.A. Epizootology of canine demodicosis in modern conditions// Veterinary practice, No. 3,2000, - C, 27-35,
4, Ozherelkov SV, Vasiliev I.K., Narovlyansky A.N., Pronin A.V., Sanin A,V, The use of the drug "Salmosan" as a detoxicant in the experimental conditions and when included in the treatment regimen for diseases of various etiologies of small domestic animals // XV International Moscow Veterinary Congress. 2007
5, Sanin A.V., The use of immunomodulators in viral diseases small pets // Russian magazine veterinary medicine, No. 1,2005, - C, 38-42,
6, Svyatkovsky A.V. Karpenko L.Yu., Tikhanin V.V., Svyatkovskaya M.A. Zibrev 0.0, Some issues of pathogenesis and diagnosis of demodicosis in dogs // Veterinary practice, No. 1,1997, -0 40-45,
7, Semenov I.V., Buran ON, Demodicosis of dogs // Abstracts of the I International Veterinary Conference, October 1996, - Kyiv, - C, 65-70,
8, Shustrova M, V. Scabies and demodicosis of animals different types(epizootology, etiology, pathogenesis, development of a system of measures for the prevention and elimination of these diseases in the conditions of the North-West region) // Diss, doctor, vet, science, St. Petersburg, SPbGAVM, 1996.
9, RJ. Ginel. Demodicosis in dogs. WALTHAM Focus, v.6, No. 2, 1996, p, 2-7
This is a disease that is quite difficult to treat. At first, this disease seems harmless, because pet behaves quite actively a good appetite And the itching isn't too bad either. But if you do not treat this disease, the signs of the disease will appear brighter, and the disease will also affect internal organs which can lead to the death of the animal. In the article we will try to figure out what it is and how to treat demodicosis in dogs.
The reasons
These microscopic mites feed on loose fiber and skin. Usually, the disease can manifest itself in the period from April to September, but in stray animals, which are often located near heating mains, sewers and other infected stray dogs, it can spread at any time of the year.
Did you know? The spiked collar was invented in Ancient Greece. There they were used to protect the dog's neck from wolves.
Symptoms
The disease can be localized, that is, affect one part of the body, or generalized, when the entire body of the animal is affected. Localized demodicosis in dogs is usually moderate symptoms when the legs, trunk or head are affected.
In the generalized type of the disease, the symptoms are more severe. The dog develops severe scabies (itching), alopecia (baldness) begins, the skin turns red, and peculiar lesions appear in the form of scales on the skin.
Forms of the disease
The disease manifests itself in three forms:
- The focal (localized) form is the safest. The disease manifests itself in 3-5 small areas of hairless scaly skin. The areas are randomly located on the body. Most often, lesions are found on the paws, chest, abdomen and head of the dog.
Diagnostics
Need to diagnose exclusively with the help of a veterinarian. He will do a skin scraping and analyze it. You may also need to conduct a urinalysis, as well as other studies. In any case, after all these manipulations, the doctor will be able to accurately determine the presence of a specific disease and prescribe an effective treatment.
Treatment
After the presence of demodicosis in a dog is confirmed, treatment should be carried out in veterinary clinic, buy drugs at your own discretion and try to restore the health of the animal at home in no case.
All procedures will be directed to destroy the pathogen - tick. You will also need to get rid of purulent-type lesions on the skin (pyoderma). After that, you should help the dog restore the immune system, remove toxins and generally support and strengthen the body of the animal.
Important!You cannot self-medicate. This is a direct way to aggravate the dog's disease, the consequences can be irreversible.
Medicines for illness
There are two ways to kill the pathogen. To get rid of adult pathogens that are next to blood vessels, prescribe drugs "Doramectin" or "Ivermectin".
The latter, by the way, is deadly to Sheltie and Collie dogs, so only Doramectin is acceptable for them and only under the close supervision of a veterinarian.
Ointments "Yam" and "Aversectin" can also be used. It is possible to eliminate purulent lesions of the skin only after analyzing the condition of the site. First, the specialist must determine the type of microbes, as well as their sensitivity to various kinds of antibiotics.
Only then will he be able to choose the right and effective drug taking into account also the condition of the sick dog and the presence of concomitant ailments. Antibiotics for bacterial infection appointed in 90% of cases.
Also used for topical skin treatment Sulfuric ointment, "Chlorophos", "Sebacil", "Amitraz", "Ronnel". In the form of a suspension for injection, Ivomek or its analogues can be prescribed for the dog in order to support the work of the animal's liver.
To increase the overall resistance of the body, immunostimulants are also used. A sick dog's diet is low in B vitamins and reduced in protein.
Important! A sick dog should be in a dry and clean room, humidity and drafts are categorically excluded.
Prevention
Prevention of demodicosis in a pet is primarily in exclusion of her contact with homeless stray individuals.
Also, from time to time, you need to carefully examine the pet in order to quickly identify the presence of an ailment if it manifests itself. You should take care of the dog's coat and skin, use special dog shampoos.
Demodicosis is a rather complicated disease that can be difficult to cure. First of all, you need to contact an experienced veterinarian, and after receiving the treatment instructions, follow them exactly. b
Time regarding this disease has great value, therefore, as soon as any manifestations of the disease on the skin of the animal are noticed, you should immediately go to the veterinarian.
This is a fairly common disease and manifests itself in the form of dermatitis, keratosis and progressive emaciation. Often, due to not going to the veterinarian, as a result of severe exhaustion and sepsis, dogs die.
Causes of the disease
The disease itself is not contagious and is not transmitted from dog to dog or to humans.. Ticks are transmitted at birth from mother to puppies and live on the surface of the skin and hair follicles. The disease depends on immunity and as soon as it weakens, there is an impetus to its development.
The main reasons for the development of demodicosis, in addition to a decrease in immunity, also include:
- oncological diseases;
- hormonal disorders;
- the use of drugs that reduce immunity (steroids, hormones, chemotherapy).
Demodicosis caused by separate disease commonly seen in adult dogs. In puppies under one year old, juvenile demodicosis usually occurs. The reason for this is heredity. immune system when the body loses the ability to control the number of mites.
Most often, dogs suffer from this disease in the winter-spring period., which is explained by a decrease in the overall resistance of the animal organism.
Symptoms of the disease
Clinical manifestations of demodicosis begin with an unlimited increase in the number of ticks.
There are several forms of development of demodicosis.
Localized
The disease usually occurs in a dog up to a year old and does not depend on its gender and breed. Physically, they are usually healthy and fall ill due to a temporary illness or a serious stressful situation.
The first signs of a localized form: sparse hair around the mouth, eyelids and on the front legs. The prognosis for a full recovery is favorable. Almost all of the sick - 90% of dogs - will recover, and in the rest of the sick, the localized form will turn into a generalized one.
generalized
The generalized form is a continuation of the untreated localized form. The younger the animal, the higher its chances for a speedy recovery.
Most animals recover on their own due to the body's own defenses.. Recovery usually occurs between 8 months and 3 years of age, depending on the breed of the dog.
The prognosis for recovery in adult dogs is less optimistic. Usually the cause of the disease in older age is a consequence of another disease or immunosuppressive therapy. Provoking factors include: oncology, endocrine diseases, steroid treatment, metabolic disorders. The prognosis in this case depends on the underlying disease.
Juvenile
The disease occurs in puppies under 1 year old and is inherited. These dogs are usually spayed. If the immune system is weak, it will be very difficult to get rid of the disease. Otherwise, the dogs themselves are cured of the disease.
The main symptom of the disease is the formation in the form of "glasses" around the eyes or in the limbs.. Such skin lesions do not cause suffering to dogs, their owners are more concerned. In some cases, juvenile demodicosis passes into other forms of the disease.
Pathogen - mites of the genus Demodex, which cause inflammatory process outer ear. In dogs, the disease is part of a generalized process.
Symptoms include: the presence of black crusts (exudate) in the ear canal, itching in the ear, hair loss around the auricle.
Demodicosis paws
Demodicosis of the paws most often affects American and. The main symptoms include: hair loss, furunculosis, erythema, cellulitis, purulent phlebitis of the veins of the extremities. Usually all 4 limbs of the dog are involved.
Photos of symptoms (Do not look impressionable)
Demodicosis paws 
How to treat demodicosis
First aid for illness - lubrication of affected areas fish oil and monitoring the cleanliness of the litter. Food should be enriched with vitamin A (for example, by adding grated carrots to the diet).
The animal should be delivered as soon as possible to the veterinary clinic for medical assistance.
The treatment regimen for demodicosis depends on the type of disease.
- When localized forms, it is necessary to ensure that it does not develop into a generalized one. After the examination, the doctor will recommend that the owner bathe the dog with an antibacterial shampoo and apply a special lotion to the affected areas of the skin. It will also be necessary to periodically take a series of tests (scrapings) to monitor the development of the disease. Usually they are taken 2 times for 2-3 weeks.
- When generalized forms, the dog will need to be spayed so as not to spread the disease further by inheritance. Treatment is reduced to the elimination of secondary bacterial infections and the elimination of all mites on the skin of the animal. Apply external agents (ivermectin, milbemycin), which are added to the water and bathe the dog. Appoint medications depending on the breed of the animal.
- At otodemodecosis the most prescribed is the use of 20% Amitraz, diluted in a ratio of 1: 9, together with mineral oil. Apply the remedy daily.
At the same time, check if the . Helminthiasis - unpleasant disease faced by many dog breeders.
Drugs for the treatment of the disease
Used as a topical treatment various drugs, consisting of equal parts of solar oil and carbon tetrachloride, turpentine. An effective remedy is the use of subcutaneous or intravenous 1% trypansini solution. At the same time, sedimentary sulfur powder is rubbed into the infected areas of the skin.
In the treatment of demodicosis in dogs, 2% SK-9 emulsion, 1% coral emulsion, 2% chlorophos solution, 5% soap emulsion, 1% sevin emulsion are also used. At the same time, the animal is given inside chlorophos at the rate of 25 mg per 1 kg of animal weight.
Be sure to follow all the recommendations of the veterinarian, then the likelihood of side effects will be minimized. Do not self-medicate your pet!
In the case of dipping the animal, it may be necessary to immobilize the animal for the best penetration of the drug. Bathing with medicinal products should be regular.
Side effects can be observed in the form of itching, tremors or other reactions. It is best if all manipulations are performed in a veterinary clinic under the guidance of a doctor. In addition, it is recommended to conduct a treatment session with soft X-ray beams.
At home, a course is prescribed antibacterial agents, which will take several weeks (4-10) to get rid of a secondary bacterial infection. The dog will also be given tablets (milbemycin, ivermectin) to eliminate the ticks. Usually the course of treatment takes at least 3 months.
In the event that the dog breed is Collie or Australian Shepherd, drugs such as ivermectin should not be given, as they are life-threatening and have serious side effects(convulsions, coma, death).
In dogs of other breeds side effects occur much less frequently and are not pronounced (dizziness, weakness hind legs, difficulty walking, stumbling).
Prevention of demodicosis
Preventive measures are to prohibit contact of the dog with stray homeless individuals. It is recommended to periodically conduct a thorough examination of your pet for the possible presence of skin diseases, so that if the same demodicosis is found, try to cure it as soon as possible.
It is recommended to carefully care for the hairline and skin of the pet, use special shampoos for dogs. Not allowed to take medicines for prevention and treatment recommended for other breeds of animals.
Household items of a sick animal should be sprayed with a 0.1% solution of sevin or 1% solution of chlorophos. All places where the sick dog was located are treated with a hot 5% emulsion of creolin or lysol, or they are disinfected by fire treatment.
Ways of infection
Demodicosis does not apply to infectious diseases and cannot be transmitted from one animal to another. The only thing worth paying attention to is that newborn puppies can become infected from their mother when eating her milk. This disease is also safe for humans, since it cannot be transmitted from animals. Now it becomes clear whether demodicosis is contagious in dogs.
Provoking factors
The factors that can provoke the appearance of demodicosis can be safely attributed to the following:
- Availability malignant tumors.
- Conducting a course of treatment that involves the use hormonal drugs, which can greatly reduce immunity.
- heredity (may be congenital absence antibodies against red scabies).
- Disorders in the endocrine system.
- An obese dog often leads to this result.
- Dogs that take anti-lymphocyte sera may develop demodicosis.
- Non-observance of hygiene rules, as well as too frequent water procedures may lead to such disease.
- Often demodicosis occurs in dogs that are already in old age.
- There are a number of diseases that greatly reduce the immunity of the dog.
- A dog that eats too little has reduced immunity and is at risk of infection.
- And the last factor is too long therapy using antibacterial drugs.
Ticks feel especially comfortable in rooms with high humidity, as well as on the wet skin of an animal.
Forms
- Localized.
- Generalized.
- Juvenile (manifested mainly in puppies).
Localized form
First of all, the localized form manifests itself in the form of bald areas of the dog's body. They can appear anywhere, but are most commonly seen on the head, legs, abdomen, and chest. The skin in these places is greatly modified, it becomes rougher, even thickened, can be covered with scales, and in more running forms- pustules. Over time, strong redness and folds appear in these places. Vaccinations and stress have some effect on these symptoms. They can make them worse, or they can make them disappear altogether. This is the stage when you should seriously take care of your pet, because there is a real chance of a complete cure for the dog. If you do not start treating demodicosis in a dog now, then the localized form turns into a generalized one.
Generalized form
There are already more serious symptoms that simply cannot be ignored:
- The affected areas are very disturbing to the dog due to itching, she constantly combs out these areas.
- The number of bald areas is gradually increasing.
- The skin of the animal begins to smell unpleasant.
- The first signs that the internal organs are also affected. The dog loses strength, cramps bother her, her muscles tremble, vomiting appears, and foam may even come out of her mouth.
- Significantly impaired coordination of movements.
The generalized form is curable, but it will take a lot of time and effort to do so. The age of the dog plays an important role here, because the older the dog, the more difficult it will be to cure it. If treatment is not taken on time or not done at all, then the animal will simply die from intoxication and exhaustion of the body.
Juvenile form
As mentioned earlier, symptoms of demodicosis in juvenile dogs almost always occur in puppies that are under one year of age. This form of the disease is classified as hereditary. In puppies, the skin around the eyes falls out and becomes covered with scales. They are immediately excluded from the breeding program, and they are also sterilized without fail in order to prevent the development of the disease in their children. Every second puppy heals on its own. The disease goes away when the baby begins to grow up. If the puppy has weak immunity, then juvenile demodicosis will develop into a generalized one.
Complications
They are no less dangerous than the disease itself, and can occur even after complete recovery. Complications after the generalized form are especially common. This disease can affect your pet's stomach, gallbladder, intestines and endocrine system. Such forms of the disease quite often lead to the death of a pet, so it is better not to allow the disease to develop into a generalized one.
Diagnosis of demodicosis
It will not be difficult for a veterinarian to diagnose demodicosis, since it manifests itself on the surface of the skin, and an analysis of complaints is also carried out, and the heredity of the dog is studied. To additional analyzes scraping for demodicosis in dogs, which is taken from the surface of the animal's skin, also applies.
In dogs such as Shar Pei, scraping is rather problematic due to the many folds on the skin, but the treatment of demodicosis in dogs of this breed cannot be postponed. They are biopsied.
How to distinguish demodicosis from another disease
Sometimes it happens that demodicosis is confused with other diseases. As a result of this, incorrect therapy is carried out, time is lost, which should have been spent on the right treatment. Diseases that are confused with demodicosis:
The veterinarian determines the method of treatment based on the form of the disease and the extent of skin lesions. First of all, it is assigned proper care and compliance with all necessary hygiene rules. Special attention the owner must pay attention to the level of humidity in the room. Any drug should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor. Usually, treatment is carried out in several stages:
You should not self-medicate, since only a doctor will be able to prescribe drugs for demodicosis in dogs and the desired dosage, based on the weight, age and general condition of the animal.
On the early stages you can try special shampoos: "Doctor", "Fitoelita". But they can only be effective in a localized form, and then their use simply does not make sense and is considered a waste of money.
Pustules may appear on the affected areas. In such cases, sulfonamides and antibiotics are prescribed. You should not use glucocorticosteroids, since they greatly reduce the immunity of the animal, which is contraindicated in demodicosis.
For prevention purposes, you can use the Artemon anti-tick collars. But remember that the collar can only be worn on a healthy animal so that invasion does not occur. It will not help an already infected dog.
Additional Methods
It has been repeatedly mentioned that demodicosis in dogs occurs in animals with a weakened immune system. Therefore, it needs to be strengthened. Veterinarians prescribe special vitamins that help the animal in the fight against invasion.
The most commonly used vitamins are:
- "Vikasol".
- Medivet.
- "Wetzim".
Widely applicable and folk methods treatments that prove effective, but only in conjunction with drug treatment. and apply any of folk remedies only after consultation with your veterinarian.
In addition to all this, a dog with demodicosis needs a diet. If the pet eats ready-made feeds, then there should not be any allergic substances in them, and the presence of dyes and flavor enhancers is completely excluded. Any food should be fresh and of high quality. The use of cheap food is not allowed. If the dog eats natural food, then any fatty foods should be excluded. During this period, it is especially useful for a pet to consume boiled meat, cereals and vegetables, eggs, and various dairy products.
