Treatment protocols for demodicosis: an evidence-based review

Publications discussing the treatment of demodicosis in the dog and cat are reviewed. Based on the evidence in the literature, amitraz rinses at 0.025-0.06% every 7-14 days, and oral daily ivermectin at 300 micro g kg(-1), milbemycin at 2 mg kg(-1) and moxidectin at 400 micro g kg(-1), respectively, can all be recommended for the treatment of generalized canine demodicosis. Ivermectin and moxidectin should be initiated at lower doses and patients monitored for possible adverse effects during therapy. In cats, 2% lime sulfur dips and amitraz rinses at 0.0125-0.025% have been used successfully.