Prevalence and treatment approach of canine Demodicosis

Abstract

Canine demodicosis is a prevalent, non-contagious parasitic dermatosis characterized by the excessive proliferation of Demodex species mites within hair follicles. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations and hematobiochemical changes in ten dogs diagnosed with demodicosis, along with evaluating their response to treatment with fluralaner. Dogs positive for demodex mites using deep skin scraping, trichogram and acetate tape technique were selected for the study. The most frequently observed clinical signs included alopecia, erythema, scaling/crusting, periocular lesions, papules/pustules, hyperpigmentation, and hyperkeratosis. The dogs achieved clinical recovery score of 83.48% by using the Demodex-Induced Skin lesion Score. Hematological analysis revealed leucocytosis with neutrophilia, eosinophilia, and lymphopenia. Biochemical findings indicated hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, and a reduced A:G ratio. The Demodex-infected dogs exhibited a 100% recovery rate following treatment with a single dose of fluralaner, confirmed by negative skin scraping results on day 28. The hematobiochemical alterations progressively improved, returning to normal levels by days 14 and 28 of treatment.