Diagnosis and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats: translation of the World Association of Veterinary Dermatology Clinical Consensus Guidelines 2021

Demodicosis is a parasitic disease of dogs caused by small ticks (size 0.2-0.3 mm) of the genus Demodex Canis . Leads to damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and in severe cases to the lymphatic system and internal organs. Normally, the pathogen is constantly present on the skin in small quantities. Demodectic mange in dogs develops when the body is weakened and the immune system is weakened.

What is demodicosis and who is the causative agent of the disease?

Demodicosis is a skin disease caused by the parasitic scabies mite Demodex Canis. This tick lives only on dogs and people. In addition, direct infection from the animal to the owner and vice versa is excluded. There is one tick, but its forms are different.

People should be wary of the scabies mite of the form Demodex folliculorum.

By the way, an adult individual of this type of scabies mites does not exceed 0.4 millimeters, so it is difficult to see it in the animal’s fur. In addition, the tick itself is an elongated translucent body with short legs and a fairly powerful jaw apparatus.

The tick of this subspecies settles deeply in the skin of the animal, strengthening itself on the hair follicles or sweat glands, it eats the contents of the hair. Because of the scales, the parasite feels great near the hair and attaches itself quite deeply in place.

When a tick gnaws through its next home, it begins to move to the next one, literally eating skin cells on its way. It is his path that brings the most unpleasant sensations to the animal.

After this, the dog develops characteristic itching and hair begins to fall out. In place of the tunnel that the parasite left behind, intercellular fluid is formed. It, in turn, is a favorable flora for the reproduction of various types of bacteria. That is why demodicosis is often accompanied by a variety of bacterial infections.

When the parasite first settles in the area of ​​the hair follicle, it immediately lays eggs, of which there are quite a lot. In one such “house” there can be up to five thousand individuals of such a tick, of different ages, respectively. Small larvae feed by eating dead cells.

When a large family can no longer fit into a previously built home, it begins to travel deeper. Often in advanced cases, parasites reach internal organs: liver, kidneys and others, eating them too.

That is why it is necessary to identify this disease as early as possible and begin treatment. If this does happen, then the situation has two options: first, the dog dies, second, after long-term treatment, it gets better, but it will have to suffer from the consequences of the disease all its life.

What does the disease look like (watch the video)

How does a tick spread?

This parasite enters the dog’s body only through direct interaction in the zoozone. He settles where he touched her. Most often these lesions are the front paws, nose, muzzle, lips, eyelids.

Important! If a dog has a good and strong immune system, then this parasite will not threaten it. This is the main difference between this disease and others. A healthy dog ​​with a strong immune system will never pick up this tick, even if it comes into direct contact with an infected dog.

What contributes to the manifestation of demodicosis

The fact is that the Demodex Canis parasite spends its entire life on the dog’s body in hibernation. When studies were carried out and scrapings of the skin of different dogs were taken, this parasite was found even on healthy dogs. In addition, in a sleeping state, it does not cause any discomfort to the pet. Dog owners should know that this parasite sleeps on the body of every pet, but due to some immunological or external changes it can wake up. And when its population increases, the so-called demodicosis will appear.

Here are some factors that contribute to the manifestation of demodicosis:

1. Most often, young individuals who are not yet a year old, as well as older dogs, become victims of this disease. All this is due to weak immunity, in young people it has not yet strengthened, and in older people it is no longer able to protect the body well;
2. genes. There have been cases when this parasite, in an attacking state, was transmitted from mother to children;
3. season. The most dangerous period is considered to be the warm season. More specifically, from April to September. It is during this period that a female individual of this tick is able to grow in size twice as fast and lay about one thousand eggs, which is a major complication of the disease;
4. nerves. Prolonged nervous tension and stress have a detrimental effect on any organism, even a human one. As for stress in dogs, all internal vital systems of the animal are at risk. In this situation, the body cannot protect itself from infections and germs. The inability to resist external factors becomes the cause of infection;
5. nutrition. Dogs need to eat properly. In the worst case, due to disturbances in the digestive system, the hair will begin to fall out and instead of scars, mites and bacteria will begin to actively colonize. Proper nutrition is in principle necessary, even outside the case of demodicosis;
6. weakened immunity. This is the initial factor contributing to the development of demodicosis. All of the above signs greatly affect the immune system, but are still secondary;
7. care. If a dog appears in the house, then it is necessary to properly care for it. He also needs to be washed, washed, combed, in general, to maintain hygiene;
8. contact with infected animals.

Demodicosis in dogs: the cause of the disease is the extreme activity of the tick

This insect has hundreds of subspecies that cannot be seen with the ordinary eye, without a microscope. They pose no threat to humans.

Demodex Canis is an elongated parasite with sharp teeth, shaped like a worm. Having reached sexual maturity, the tick gnaws through the skin and reaches the follicle or sebaceous gland. The disease begins with the active formation of large parasitic colonies (several hundred) in these places. We are talking about the active process of their reproduction. Thousands of larvae develop into mature individuals that eat away at the skin. Immature individuals eat dead cells.

The spread of demodicosis is considered to be infection of puppies from the mother. Another way is contact with sick dogs.

Based on this, it follows:

1. Protect your pet from playing with stray dogs.
2. Take special measures to strengthen your pet's immunity.

Forms and symptoms of demodicosis

It is possible to identify this disease only when it has already reached the later stages of development. This occurs due to the asymptomatic course of the disease. While the dog is sleeping peacefully, colonies of ticks are already appearing inside him.

There are several forms of the disease.

Localized

This form appears in young dogs that are not yet one year old. It is believed that sick dogs are in good health, but due to previous illness or stress, there is a chance of demodicosis.

Among the first signs: lack of hair near the mouth and on the front legs. By seeing these signs and taking the dog to the veterinarian, the owner is guaranteed a complete recovery and restoration of his pet.

If this stage is already advanced, then it becomes a generalized form.

Generalized

This form is an untreated previous one. For older dogs, the chances of recovery decrease with each passing year. And the cause of the disease is other infections and diseases that provoke the activity of ticks. Let's not forget about weakened immunity. In adult dogs, it is further produced, which is why treatment for any disease is delayed for a long time.

Juvenile

This form appears in dogs that are not yet a year old and, in addition, parasites of this type are transmitted from their parents. These animals usually need to be sterilized.

It is very difficult for animals with this form to overcome this disease. The animal either dies or heals on its own.

The primary symptom of the disease is the appearance of circles near the eyes of the dog.

Otodemodecosis

The provocateur of this form is Demodex mites. They begin inflammation of the outer ear. Primary symptoms: hair begins to fall out near the ear, black dots appear in the ear canal. The dog will also begin to scratch its ear a lot - this is also a symptom.

Demodicosis of paws

This form of demodicosis occurs more often in spaniels. Primary symptoms: hair loss, furunculous rashes and erythema.

Scaly (focal) form of demodicosis

The easiest form to manifest and treat. It can be easily identified immediately as soon as you notice that your pet is vigorously scratching its face. Since the foci of inflammation are most often located right there, near the eyes, near the mouth or on the top of the head. As soon as the owner noticed that the hair began to fall out, the hair became brittle in these places, and the hairless places on the body were covered with skin scales that can be seen, which means that there was a tick present.

Usually there are about five such hairless places on a dog’s body. The most acute period lasts 14 days. If no measures have been taken to treat the disease, it turns into another, more serious form.

Pustular demodicosis

This form may be a continuation of the previous form or develop independently. The affected areas or lesions, as described above, form into ulcers, which burst over time. This usually occurs four weeks from the first day of illness.

After the abscess bursts, an unpleasant odor appears from there, and pus flows out from the inside, sometimes mixed with blood. When examined under a microscope, scientists found colonies in these purulent discharges.

If treatment is not provided to the pet at this stage, then the disease develops into the most dangerous generalized form.

Generalized form

The most severe form of demodicosis. If doctors find more than five infected, balding and inflamed areas on a pet, then they give a generalized form. The fact is that the lesions in this case increase in area and begin to appear on the rear parts of the dog’s body.

All areas and the dog as a whole begin to smell bad due to the fact that abscesses open and burst.

If treatment is not prescribed or is given, but incorrectly, then after 3 months the animal may completely go bald.

After the parasite deprives the pet of hair, it will move on to the internal organs. As a result, man's four-legged friend will no longer perceive food. Then convulsions appear and coordination is impaired. Due to exhaustion, the pet dies.

Demodicosis in cats and dogs

Demodicosis is a parasitic pathology caused by mites of the genus Demodex, which multiply in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. The demodex mite enters the follicle and destroys its epithelial cells. The latter become a nutrient substrate, and the hair follicle becomes a colony of parasites.

Causes of demodicosis in animals

Demodex mites have strict species specificity. Thus, only the species D. сanis, D. injai and D. сornei parasitize dogs, and D. cati and D. gatoi parasitize cats. These types of ticks are not dangerous to humans.

The development of the disease is promoted by:

• existing skin and hair pathologies;

• stressful conditions;

• immunity disorders;

• endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, etc.);

• malignant tumors;

• leishmaniasis.

Young animals under the age of 1 year are often susceptible to the disease. It is during this period that most stressful situations occur - the introduction of vaccines, ear cropping. The peak of infections is observed in the first three months of an animal’s life. Of particular importance here are:

1. the hormone oxytocin, which is produced in dogs and cats when feeding with milk and provokes the migration of ticks from the mother’s body;

2. insufficient hair length and weak keratinization of the epidermis in puppies and kittens, which simplifies infection.

Symptoms of demodicosis in dogs and cats

The disease manifests itself most clearly in winter and spring. At this time, there is little sunlight, the skin tone of animals decreases and the immune system is weakened. There are localized (less than 5 lesions) and generalized (6 or more lesions) forms of demodicosis.

In dogs, the localized form is not accompanied by itching, but with it the following are observed:

• areas of baldness up to 5 cm in diameter, most often on the head, around the eyes or mouth, and also on the front legs;

• peeling and hyperpigmentation on affected areas of the skin;

• comedones - cysts that arise as a result of blockage of the mouth of the hair follicle.

The probability of pathology transitioning to a generalized form is 10%. In this case, signs of demodicosis in dogs will be:

• spread of the disease to a large area of ​​skin;

• bacterial infection with systemic complications (enlarged lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite, kidney dysfunction);

• specific damage to the extremities (pododemodicosis), with lameness, thickening of the skin on the fingers, the appearance of cracks on it with bloody discharge;

• inflammation of the outer ear.

Feline demodicosis often has a localized form that is prone to self-healing. The disease manifests itself:

• redness of the skin;

• local hair loss;

• seborrhea;

• severe itching when D. gatoi is affected.

Prevention of demodicosis

Acaricidal sprays, collars and shampoos will help protect against this disease. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the animal’s immunity and include vitamin supplements in the diet.

How and how to treat demodicosis in dogs and cats

In the treatment of this disease it is necessary to use acaricidal agents, antiseptics and antibiotics. Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs, tissue regeneration activators and immunostimulants can be used.

The Ivermek line of drugs from the NITA-FARM company can help with demodicosis. So, Ivermec spray is a combination product that contains:

• ivermectin - has a pronounced antiparasitic effect;

• lidocaine - reduces pain and itching;

• dexpanthenol - promotes tissue healing;

• chlorhexidine - fights concomitant infections.

Treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats with this drug consists of treating the affected areas 2-4 times with an interval of 3-5 days until clinical symptoms disappear.

More detailed information about the drugs in the Ivermek line and other NITA-FARM veterinary drugs can be found in the product catalog

Diagnostics

It is quite possible to determine demodicosis in dogs by external signs. This disease has very clear clinical symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, veterinarians conduct a deep scraping analysis of the skin. It goes so deep that blood often appears. In this case, the study reveals real colonies with eggs and larvae.

In addition, if the disease is at the primary stage, and when analyzing the scraping, neither larvae nor the parasite itself are found, then the study is repeated in a different focus of infection.

Also, during the diagnostic process, the heredity factor is examined and an anamnesis is drawn up, which is based on clinical research.

Although demodicosis is a fairly understandable disease in its external manifestations, it is still necessary to know the differences from other diseases:

The fact is that the opinions of veterinarians differ on the issue of completely curing a dog from this parasite. Some argue that if there is a predisposition to this type of tick, then even after the destruction of all the larvae and eggs, after some time the disease will again begin to destroy the life and body of the pet.

Treatment of demodicosis in dogs

Others have an optimistic point of view and believe that a complete recovery is only possible if the dog was initially prescribed the correct medications and procedures.

It is believed that if this tick has not returned eight months after the previous treatment, then the pet has finally recovered.

When a pet and its owner encounter this parasite, it is very important to choose a professional and experienced veterinarian, since the life of your four-legged friend will be in his hands. The more competent the doctor is and the more correct the treatment he prescribes, the greater the dog’s chances of a happy and long life.

Treatment of the disease, which is caused by Demodex Canis mites, is carried out comprehensively, covering several types and types of medications. The fact is that some of them affect only the larvae that live in the upper layers of the skin and absorb dead epidermal cells, while other drugs penetrate only living cells to destroy the virus inside.

In addition to medications that kill bacteria, the veterinarian should prescribe medications that help strengthen the immune system. If the stage of the disease is advanced and fungal inflammation has been added to the main problem, then antibiotics will also be prescribed.

Medicines to kill Demodex Canis

As was written above, there is no medicine yet that would cover all aspects of the disease. That is why, after diagnosing demodicosis, a number of drugs and procedures are prescribed that will jointly rid the pet of this parasite.

Injections

• Aversect K&S. For treatment, 0.2% and 0.5% injection solutions are used. Different dosages are used for different weights. For small dogs weighing less than 10 kilograms, a sufficient dose of 0.1 milliliter of 0.2% solution per kilogram of weight is sufficient. For large dogs weighing over 10 kilograms, take 0.4 milliliters of a 0.5% solution for every ten kilograms of weight.

Such injections are administered once every six days until the animal recovers. Every 3 weeks you need to take a soscope for tests. After the third negative result, the injections are stopped.

• Ivermectin. This drug is presented on the drug market in three versions: injections, cream and tablets. A one-percent solution administered intramuscularly and once will kill parasites. Dosage: 0.1 milliliter for every five kilograms of weight. This medicine has contraindications. It is not allowed for dogs that are under six months old, dogs that are expecting offspring and are involved in the feeding process.

Pills

• "Ivermectin." Packaged in tablets of 3 milligrams. The drug is not recommended for dogs under one year of age.
• "Milbemycin". Country of origin: France. This remedy is prescribed by a veterinarian.
• "Bravecto". A drug that, 12 hours after administration, can kill all parasites. This remedy is contraindicated for small pets up to two kilograms.

Ointments

• Sulfuric ointment. An anti-inflammatory drug that is applied to infected areas and the surface of the skin around them. Kills larvae, eggs and parasites themselves.
• Ichthyol ointment. This ointment has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. After you have applied the ointment, you need to cover it with a gauze bandage on top.
• "Vetabiol". Used as a wound healing agent.
• Aversectin ointment. This remedy is also good at killing adult parasites, as well as larvae in the epidermis. Contraindicated in nursing dogs, pregnant women and pets with loss of strength.

Solutions for treating affected skin areas

• Chlorhexidine. A solution that is universal in its scope of application. Typically used to cleanse a wound before applying ointment.
• "Bars Spot". It is used specifically for demodicosis. Not recommended for use on puppies under 2 months of age.

Shampoos

• "Phytoelite". Removes itching and irritation.
• "Doctor". Reduces inflammation and itching. Helps in eliminating germs.

Skin restoration

This disease leaves behind unpleasant complications on the animal’s body: hairless areas, irritated areas. The following ointments will help to cope with this: Levomekol, pharmacoid and ichthyol.

Detoxification

Since internal organs are often also exposed to the harmful effects of bacteria, after getting rid of parasites, the animal’s body needs to be cleaned. For this we recommend: “Karsil”, “Phytoelita” product. Healthy kidneys", "Essentiale forte".

Immunity restoration

All attention must be concentrated on the proper nutrition of the dog. Good nutrition will already be an excellent help in the fight against parasites. To improve bowel function, it is recommended to take probiotics. As means to maintain immunity, veterinarians prescribe: “Immunofan”, “Hemobalance”, “Fosprenil”.

Diagnosis and treatment of canine demodicosis (Demodex)

The problem of treatment and prevention of Demodicosis in animals has been the subject of many studies by domestic and foreign scientists, but not all issues have been resolved. It is still unclear whether mites of the genus Demodex are representatives of the normobiota of the skin; Where is the conventional border between norm and pathology? For example, doctors believe that up to 10,000 individuals of Demodex folliculorum mites are normally present on a person’s face, and only the normal state of the immune system prevents mites from multiplying vigorously. Many domestic and foreign veterinarians share the same opinion regarding animals. Then why are animals considered recovered when they receive two negative results in skin scrapings?

The causative agent of demodicosis : most often, during a microscopic examination of pathological material obtained from dogs, we find Demodex canis mites. Demodex cornei and Demodex injai mites were recorded much less frequently in our practice (Table 1). In the development cycle of the Demodex mite, which is 25...30 days, there are 5 stages: egg, larva, protonymph, teleonymph, adult.

Morphology of some species of Demodex mites parasitizing dogs

Epizootology of demodicosis.

The infection is transmitted mainly through females. Puppies become infected from their mothers in the first days of life, but clinical signs appear by 3 months of age.

American scientists have proven a genetic predisposition to the occurrence of demodicosis. Therefore, if an animal is sick or has had demodicosis, it is prohibited from being bred, since almost 100% of puppies in a litter sooner or later get sick. A breed predisposition to demodicosis has been noted: purebred and short-haired dogs are especially susceptible - Shar-Pei, Dogue de Bordeaux, English, American and French bulldogs, bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, German shepherds, dachshunds, pugs, Labradors and golden retrievers, shorthaired pointers, cocker spaniels , Rottweiler.

Adult dogs become infected through skin injuries, swimming in ponds with stagnant water, contact with sick dogs (domestic and stray), as well as through soil and various objects. Clinically, demodicosis can manifest itself several months after the initial infection.

Etiology and pathogenesis of demodicosis.

If the state of the animal’s immune system is normal, then the detection of mites in skin scales can be regarded as a carrier state. During the period of exacerbation, single lesions are strictly localized (for example, inflammation of several follicles in the area of ​​the lips and chin). But, if the animal has disorders in the immune system, the disease is accompanied by clinical manifestations.

The development of the disease in the juvenile period (from 3 to 12 months) is often associated with a hereditary defect of varying severity in the T-link of immunity. In adulthood (over 18 months), demodicosis is recorded in immunocompromised individuals against the background of various risk factors. These factors can be divided into exogenous and endogenous.

Risk factors for the development of demodicosis

Secondary immunodeficiencies are registered against the background of various pathological conditions and iatrogenic causes (Table 3).

The main diseases against which demodicosis is registered

It is necessary to distinguish Cushing's syndrome of iatrogenic etiology. Often, pet owners contact a veterinarian not immediately after the first symptoms appear, but after they have tried to treat their pet on their own. If a dog, in addition to the main signs of dermatitis, has itchy skin, the veterinarian will prescribe corticosteroids to stop it. With long-term and irrational therapy with corticosteroid drugs, the synthesis of interleukins and other anti-inflammatory cytokines is inhibited, as well as the migration of eosinophils and the proliferation of T-lymphocytes, the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, collagen, elastin is reduced, the number of Langerhans cells in the epidermis decreases, and mast cells in the dermis. Long-term glucocorticosteroid therapy also helps to reduce vascular permeability and has a vasoconstrictor effect. Once in the systemic circulation, glucocorticosteroids suppress the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system, inhibit immune reactions, thereby increasing the proliferation of Demodex mites.

Clinical signs of demodicosis. There are localized and generalized forms of the disease.

Localized form of demodicosis . At the beginning of the disease, the foci of alopecia are small, colorless, and there is no itching. Later, hyperemia and itching appear (with the addition of secondary microbiota), and after three weeks the lesions become hyperpigmented (as the process becomes chronic). When identifying and treating the underlying disease (for example, giardiasis) and laboratory determination of a secondary mixed infection (bacterial and mycotic), local therapy is sufficient to relieve symptoms. It is believed that localized D is self-limiting in 90% of cases when the immune status is normalized. But with ongoing immunosuppression, the process becomes generalized.

In the localized form of podomodexosis, one limb is affected (after the addition of a bacterial infection, swelling, pain, and discharge of pus from the fistulous tracts are observed). With otodemodecosis, excessive secretion of earwax and itching of varying degrees are noted.

Generalized form of demodicosis . Diseases can begin to be observed both in the juvenile period and in an adult animal. Generalized demodicosis usually develops from localized demodicosis due to lack of treatment or after therapy with glucocorticosteroids. In this case, multiple lesions are observed, especially in the head, limbs and body, which subsequently merge. Erythema, alopecia, seborrhea, comedones, folliculitis/furunculosis, multiple crusts of dried exudate and bleeding lesions, foci of dry or wet dermatitis develop after the addition of secondary microbiota: bacterial (Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. . etc.) and mycotic (Candida spp., Malassezia pachydermatis). With generalized podomodecosis, two or more limbs are affected.

Verification of diagnosis. We recommend the following algorithm for diagnosing demodicosis:

• a thorough medical history: the age of the animal, duration of the disease (primary or secondary), type of feeding, presence and duration of glucocorticosteroid therapy; in case of relapses, it is necessary to clarify what therapy was previously prescribed, the duration of remission (if observed), features of the course of the disease, concomitant diseases;
• skin scraping microscopy
• bacterial culture with determination of the sensitivity of the isolated microflora to antibiotics;
• mycological research;
• identification of the underlying disease (especially in the generalized form); blood tests (biochemical, hormonal);
• clinical urine analysis;
• scatological studies (coprogram);
• radiography;
• Ultrasound (if indicated).

Differential diagnosis. It should be noted that there are no pathognomonic signs of demodicosis. Many diseases that occur with skin lesions have a similar clinical picture (Table 4).

Diseases from which demodicosis is differentiated

Due to the polyetiology of demodicosis, treatment should be comprehensive (Table 5).

Localized form of treatment for demodicosis. Self-limitation of the disease is often observed after 4...6 weeks with normalization of the immune status. Acaricidal agents are prescribed locally once every 5...7 days (sulfur-zinc veterinary ointment, acarabor, tactics, amitan, mitaban) and daily antiseptics (salicylic lotion, fucorcin).

Recently, a new German drug, Advocate, has appeared on the domestic market, which has proven itself well in the complex treatment of demodicosis in dogs. The advantage of the drug is its wide range of antiparasitic effects: it is effective against flea infestation, sarcoptic mange, otodectosis, trichodectosis (lice eaters), as well as nematodes and entomoses. The drug is produced in a form convenient for use - in polypropylene pipettes of 0.4; 1.0; 2.5 and 4.0 ml. For therapeutic purposes in case of demodicosis, Advocate is prescribed 2…4 times with an interval of 28 days. The main contraindications are the age of the animal (do not use before 7 months of age) and pregnancy.

Generalized form of treatment for demodicosis. It is easier to prevent the development of generalized demodicosis than to treat it, so we recommend using Advocate, a systemic drug. It is prescribed to prevent the occurrence and spread of demodicosis (especially in nurseries and shelters), incl. during periods potentially dangerous for relapse of the disease (spring-autumn). Apply 2…4 times with an interval of 28 days.

We would like to note once again that the use of glucocorticosteroid therapy (both local and systemic) is strictly prohibited!

The generalized form of demodicosis is a difficult to treat disease, which is important to warn the dog owner about. A comprehensive study of the condition of internal organs, the endocrine system, and immune status (if possible) is necessary. No animal can be considered healthy for 12 months after recovery.

In order for medicinal solutions and ointments to penetrate the skin better, before starting treatment the animal must be completely shaved (this applies to long-haired breeds) and washed with antiseborrheic shampoos (Mikohex, Sulfoden) - once or twice a week.

There is still no licensed drug for the systemic treatment of demodicosis. In our practice, we use immunoparasitan according to the recommended regimen with the addition of Dectomax at the last injections (it is prohibited to be used for collie, sheltie, bobtail and their crossbreeds). At the same time, we treat the area externally with antiparasitic drugs (hemitraz, neostomozan, stomozan, mitaban).

To destroy the secondary bacterial microflora, after determining sensitivity to antibiotics, we prescribe systemic antibacterial drugs in recommended doses for at least 14 days or for another 7 days after the disappearance of clinical signs of bacterial dermatitis.

It is necessary to protect the gastrointestinal tract from the side effects of drugs. Therefore, we recommend that you always use hepatoprotectors, prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics for at least 1 month.

As a general strengthening therapy, we use vitamin and mineral supplements, a complex of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids to restore the skin and coat (vitamin A, E, 100% fish oil, Omega complex and a complex of macro- and microelements, water-soluble vitamins).

Immunostimulating therapy is required, affecting the T-link of immunity and the synthesis of interferon (“thymalin”, “tactivin”).

conclusions

No animal can be considered healthy for 2 years after the disappearance of clinical signs of demodicosis. For successful treatment it is necessary to identify and stop the underlying disease.

Like many diseases, demodicosis is easier to prevent than to treat . At the same time, it is necessary to prohibit the breeding of dogs that have recovered from demodicosis. For animals at potential risk of developing demodicosis, we recommend using the drug Advocate in standard course doses.

Shkarenko Anna Vadimovna - veterinarian dermatologist Veterinary clinic Perspektiva-vet

Prevention

There is no guarantee that the pet will not get sick with fungus, bacteria or parasites such as demodicosis, but owners can prevent the disease and reduce possible risks. A number of preventive measures are provided for this:

1. Avoid contact with sick animals;
2. good nutrition;
3. hygiene;
4. Don’t forget to clean your pet’s sleeping place while cleaning;
5. the sleeping place must be equipped in a dry place;
6. the owner needs to monitor the condition, mood and health of his four-legged friend;
7. preventive vaccination.

Vitamins

Veterinarians differ on this issue. Some believe that vitamins during treatment only increase the proliferation of microbes, while others, on the contrary, are sure that vitamins strengthen and support the immune system.

In any case, fish oil brings more beneficial substances than causes harm.