Large-bodied Demodex mite infestation in 4 dogs

Large-bodied Demodex mites were detected in 4 dogs. The mites were readily detected in material obtained via deep skin scrapings and were most commonly found on the trunk. The mites were distinguishable from D. canis, because adult males were approximately 100% longer and adult females were approximately 50% longer than adult male and female D. canis mites, respectively. The large-bodied mites were found in the hair follicles, sebaceous ducts, and sebaceous glands in histologic sections of skin from 2 dogs. All dogs had adult-onset generalized demodicosis. Two dogs had coexistent iatrogenic hypercortisolism, 1 dog had hypothyroidism, and 1 dog did not have coexistent disease. Infestations responded to miticidal therapy, control of the coexistent disease, or both.     

Demodicosis of dogs--a factorial disease?

Demodex canis is a normal resident of the intact canine skin, being present in small numbers in virtually every dog. Most animals are only carriers of the mites and do not develop clinical symptoms, therefore, demodectic mange has already to be considered as a factorial disease. The modus operandi of transition of clinically inapparent colonization of the mites into a disease may be explained according to investigations so far published multifactorially and thereby essentially as consequences of primary or secondary immunodepression. A primary immunodepression is initially based most probably on a hereditary defect of T-cells and is subsequently reinforced by substances, which are presumably synthesized and liberated not only by mites but also by secondary bacterial agents. A secondary immunodepression operates as trigger mechanism of a clinical manifestation after corticosteroid or cytostatic therapy or in course of underlying diseases of potentially immunodepressive nature, i.e., malignant neoplasia, hepatopathies, hyperadrenocorticism and lymphosarcoma.     

Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine Canine Acariasis Spirit on Demodex canis

In order to screen the Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of Demodex canis, canine acariasis spirit was prepared by Foeniculum vulgare, Fructus cnidii and Bauhinia by water alcohol precipitation and distillation extraction methods. To observe the effect on Demodex canis, canine acariasis spirit was set to high, medium and low concentrations, the content of crude drug were 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5 g/mL, respectively. The experiment of killing Demodex canis was carried out by drop method. On this basis, 12 dogs inoculated with Demodex canis were treated. In order to verify the therapeutic effect, 45 clinically diagnosed dogs with Demodex canis were divided into three groups. The results showed that 3 doses of the traditional Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit all had strong inhibition effect to kill mites, the high dose group could completely kill Demodex canis only 4 h after treatment, the action of 1% ivermectin control group was 8 h after treatment; 3 weeks later, a large number of new hair grew, rash and skin nodules disappeared, the skin lesion had healed in the affected area of high dose group, in 1% ivermectin treatment group, the dog skin improved, only a small amount of new hair grew, it couldn't cure standard; In the high and middle dose group, the average number of the ratio of skin scraping mites and the recurrence rate after drug withdrawal was 0 in one month later; The average number of mites proportion and recurrence rates of skin scrapings in 1% ivermectin treatment group were 10.63% and 9.17% in one month later; After 3 weeks of treatment, the total average eggs negative rate, cure rate and average cure days were 100.00%, 93.33% and 19.56 d in high dose traditional Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit and 1% ivermectin combined treatment group, the results were better than the traditional Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit and 1% ivermectin alone treatment group. The results showed that the effect of the high dose group self-made Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit on killing Demodex canis in vitro, inoculation of Demodex canis and clinical therapeutic effect of natural infection cases were significantly better than 1% ivermectin control group, canine acariasis spirit as a traditional Chinese medicine preparation would have a good market development prospects.     

中药犬螨灵对犬蠕形螨的疗效试验

为筛选具有显著治疗犬蠕形螨的中药制剂,试验将中药小茴香、蛇床子、羊蹄根采用水煮醇沉及蒸馏等提取方法制备成中药制剂犬螨灵,并观察其对犬蠕形螨的疗效。将犬螨灵设为高、中、低3个浓度,其生药含量分别为2.0、1.0和0.5 g/mL,采用点滴法进行体外抑杀蠕形螨试验,在此基础上对12只接种蠕形螨的试验犬进行治疗试验,为验证治疗效果,对临床上已确诊的45只患有蠕形螨的病犬分3组进行临床治疗试验。结果显示,中药犬螨灵3种剂量均有较强的体外抑杀螨虫作用,高剂量组作用后4 h即可完全抑杀蠕形螨,1%伊维菌素对照组则为作用后8 h;高剂量组在治疗3周后,患处有大量新毛生长,红疹结节和皮屑消失,患处皮肤已痊愈,1%伊维菌素治疗组患犬皮肤好转,仅有少量新毛生长,不能达到痊愈标准;高、中剂量组皮肤刮取物螨虫数量平均比例及停药1个月后复发率均为0,1%伊维菌素治疗组皮肤刮取物螨虫数量平均比例及停药1月后的复发率分别为10.63%和9.17%。高剂量中药犬螨灵与1%伊维菌素两种药物联合治疗组,对临床上患病犬进行3周治疗,其虫卵平均转阴率、治愈率与平均治愈天数分别为100.00%、93.33%和19.56 d,其效果均优于中药犬螨灵与1%伊维菌素单独治疗组。结果表明,高剂量自制中药制剂犬螨灵对犬蠕形螨体外抑杀作用、接种蠕形螨试验犬与临床自然感染病例均有显著的治疗效果,优于1%伊维菌素对照组,犬螨灵作为中药杀螨虫制剂具有较好的市场开发前景。     

Short form of Demodex species mite in the dog: occurrence and measurements

A form of Demodex species mite shorter in length than Demodex canis was found in six consecutive cases of canine demodicosis. The mean length of the parasite was 122.6 microns (SD 12.0 microns, 39 mites counted), significantly shorter than either male or female forms of D canis (P < 0.0001). The proportion of short to long mites in each case varied from 0.5 to 22 per 100. In young dogs, skin signs associated with the presence of mites were first noted after about seven months, while in the oldest subject the disease became apparent at 10 years of age. This form of mite has now been found in four countries over three continents, the findings suggesting that it is not uncommon and is acquired in puppyhood, although it may be carried unnoticed for many years.     

A Short-tailed Demodectic Mite and Demodex canis Infestation in a Chihuahua Dog

Abstract— Infestation with short-tailed demodectic mites and Demodex canis was diagnosed in an 8-month-old male Chihuahua dog. Skin lesions were characterized by alopecia and scaling on the ventral aspects of the chest, all four limbs, the ventral aspect of the neck and around the eyes. Both Demodex canis and a short-tailed demodectic mite were observed on skin scrapings. After 4 months of amitraz dip treatments, skin scrapings were negative and hair regrowth appeared.
Résumé— Une infestation à Demodex (forme courte) et à Demodex canis est diagnostiquée sur un Chihuahua, mâle de 8 mois. Les lésions cutanées sont caractérisées par une alopécie squameuse du thorax, des quatre membres, du cou et autour des yeux. Les raclages cutanés montrent la présence de Demodex canis et de Demodex sp. (forme courte). Après 4 mois de traitement à l'amitraz, les raclages cutanés sont négatifs et une repousse des poils est observée. [Chen, C. A short-tailed demodectic mite and Demodex canis infestation in a Chihuahua dog (Infestation à Demodex canis et à Demodex (forme courte) chez un Chihuahua).     

Isolation of dermatophytes from domestic animals in Norway

The examination of 2066 skin scrapings from domestic animals in the period from July 1981 to June 1984, revealed dermatophytes in 439 samples. Dermatophytes isolated were: M. canis in dog, cat, cattle, horse, swine, goat, rabbit and hamster, M. equinum in dog and horse, M. gypseum in horse, T. equinum in horse and cattle, T. mentagrophytes in dog, cat, cattle, horse, guinea pig and rabbit, T. verrucosum in cattle and E. floccosum in dog.     

Scanning electron microscopy description of a new species of Demodex canis spp

Between 1997 and 1999, the prevalence of Demodex canis mites was determined in 150 dogs. In two dogs, we found two different species of mites; Demodex canis and another, unidentified, Demodex mite. The unidentified Demodex mite species had several different morphological features. First, it had a short opisthosoma and an obtuse end. In addition, the fourth coxisternal plate was rectangular and there was a band-like segmental plate between the fourth coxisternal plate and opisthosoma. Although all of the morphology and the development of male mites could not be investigated in this study, the location of the opisthosoma and the genital pore clearly differed from Demodex canis, suggesting that this unidentified mite is a new species.     

The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus and the dog as experimental hosts of Ehrlichia canis

Adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks efficiently transmitted Ehrlichia canis to susceptible dogs for 155 days after detachment as engorged nymphs from a dog in the acute phase of ehrlichiosis. Adult ticks that had similarly engorged on a dog in the chronic phase of ehrlichiosis failed to transmit E canis to susceptible dogs. Infected but unfed adult ticks may be of greater importance than the chronically infected carrier dog as a natural reservoir of E canis.     

Demodex cati Hirst 1919: a redescription.

All life stages of Demodex cati are described and compared with D. canis. Presence of D. cati is reported for the first time from the external auditory meatus. In the two cases examined mites occurred in large numbers with little pathogenic effect.     

Mixed Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and presumptive Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in a dog

A 5-month-old, female, mongrel dog was admitted to the Clinic of Companion Animal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, with depression, anorexia, fever, peripheral lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, oculonasal discharge, nonregenerative anemia, and mild thrombocytopenia. Cytology of Giemsa-stained buffy coat, bone marrow, and lymph node aspiration smears revealed numerous morulae in mononuclear leukocytes and in neutrophils, and Hepatozoon canis gamonts in neutrophils. The dog was seropositive to Ehrlichia canis (immunofluorescence assay [IFA]) and Hepatozoon canis (ELISA) but not to Anaplasma phagocytophilum (IFA). A nested polymerase chain reaction performed on bone marrow aspirates was positive for E canis. This method was not applied for the detection of A phagocytophilum. Treatment with doxycycline and imidocarb dipropionate resulted in both clinical and parasitologic cure. This is the first reported case of a mixed infection with E canis, H canis, and presumptive A phagocytophilum. The findings emphasize the value of cytology in offering a quick and inexpensive diagnosis in mixed tick-borne infections of dogs.     

Serologic prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis,Ehrlichia canis,and Borrelia burgdorferi infections in Brazil

Dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, or Borrelia burgdorferi may show nonspecific clinical signs or may be asymptomatic. In Brazil, E. canis and D. immitis infections are frequently diagnosed based on the presence of classical signs; however, serologic tests are seldom performed to confirm the presence of infection. To estimate the seroprevalence of these three canine diseases in Brazil, 2,553 dogs presented at veterinary practices for various tests, routine treatments, or examinations were evaluated by an in-office commercial ELISA test kit (SNAP 3Dx, IDEXX Laboratories). Each dog was examined by the veterinarian, and a whole-blood sample was collected and immediately tested for the simultaneous detection of B. burgdorferi and E. canis antibodies and D. immitis antigen. D. immitis infection was detected in 51 dogs (2.0%) and E. canis antibodies were present in 505 dogs 19.8%). Only one dog tested positive for B. burgdorferi antibodies.     

Detection and molecular characterization of a novel large Babesia species in a dog

Babesia canis has generally been considered the only large Babesia to infect dogs. Here we describe the molecular characterization of a large Babesia species that was detected in the blood and bone marrow of a dog with clinical and hematological abnormalities consistent with babesiosis. Analysis of the 18S rRNA genes revealed a unique sequence that shared 93.9% sequence identity with B. bigemina and 93.5% sequence identity with B. caballi, compared to 91.2-91.6% identity with B. canis canis, B. c. vogeli, and B. c. rossi. Cross-reactive antibodies against B. canis, B. gibsoni (Asian genotype), or B. gibsoni (California genotype) antigens were not detected in acute or convalescent serum samples. The dog was treated with imidocarb diproprionate, which resulted in the resolution of clinical signs, and subsequently Babesia DNA was not detectable by PCR in post-treatment samples. The organism described in this report represents a genetically unique large Babesia sp. and is the eighth genetically distinct piroplasm capable of infecting the domestic dog.     

Characterization of house dust mite and scabies mite allergens by use of canine serum antibodies

OBJECTIVE: To identify the major allergenic proteins from the 3 main species of dust mites to which dogs react (Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, and Euroglyphus maynei) and evaluate the potential cross-reactivity of dust mite allergens with antigens from the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var canis. SAMPLE POPULATION: Sera from 83 dogs with atopic dermatitis. PROCEDURE: Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting using serum from atopic dogs was used to identify IgE-binding proteins in extracts of the 4 mite species. RESULTS: Sera of atopic dogs contained IgE against 23, 17, 25, and 17 allergens from D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, E. maynei, and S. scabiei, respectively. Unlike the situation for humans, the major allergens for dogs are mostly proteins that are larger than 90 kd molecular weight. Dermatophagoides farinae and E. maynei appear to be more allergenic for dogs than is D. pteronyssinus. Some dogs with serum IgE against dust mites also had IgE against antigens of S. scabiei var canis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multiple dust mite allergens induce an IgE response in dogs. These allergens are mostly greater than 90 kd molecular weight.     

First confirmed canine case of Ehrlichia canis infection in Japan

An 11-year-old castrated Pekinese dog that had been moved from Indonesia to Japan eight years previously was diagnosed with an Ehrlichia canis infection by haematological characteristics (normocytic anaemia, mild thrombocytopenia and hypergammaglobulinaemia) and serological findings (antibody titre to E canis 1:3,200 or more). The dog did not respond to treatment with tetracycline and died from renal failure. The diagnosis was confirmed postmortem by pathological evaluation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Typical morulae of Ehrlichia were detected in the cytoplasm of macrophages in spleen tissue by immunohistological staining. Ehrlichia-like organisms were also detected in the spleen by electron microscopy. E canis-specific PCR analysis of DNA extracted from the spleen gave a positive signal, and sequence analysis of the fragment revealed that it was identical to part of the 16s rRNA gene of E canis. The dog was the first confirmed clinical case of E canis infection in Japan.     

Demodex injai infestation and dorsal greasy skin and hair in eight wirehaired fox terrier dogs

Demodex injai mites were detected on trichoscopic examinations and/or deep skin scrapings in eight wirehaired fox terrier dogs with dorsal greasy skin and hair. Histological examination performed in five dogs revealed marked sebaceous gland hyperplasia with lympho-plasmacytic periadnexal dermatitis in all of them. One mite section was observed in one patient. Seven dogs were parasitologically cured after 2 to 7 months of oral ivermectin treatment. Greasy skin and hair resolved in four dogs, was partially reduced in two dogs and persisted in the remaining dog. Skin biopsies were repeated after parasitological cure in two dogs and revealed the persistence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia with mild lympho-plasmacytic periadnexal dermatitis and no parasites. Based on the findings in this case series, the terrier dog breed might be at increased risk for the development of D. injai mite infestation associated with dorsal greasy skin and hair, and microscopically with sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Persistence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia after parasitological cure in some patients suggested that this histological finding may not always be resulting from Demodex infestation. Moreover, low numbers of adult mites and variable clinical responses to acaricidal therapy suggested a contributory rather than a major role of D. injai in this skin condition. Dermatopathological diagnosis of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, particularly in case of dorsal trunk specimens from terrier dog breeds, warrants the search for D. injai mites on trichoscopic examinations and/or deep skin scrapings.     

Use of plasmapheresis and chemotherapy for treatment of monoclonal gammopathy associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in a dog

Monoclonal gammopathy associated with Ehrlichia canis infection was diagnosed in a German Shepherd Dog. The dog was treated by use of chemotherapy and tetracycline and by plasmapheresis. The dog tolerated plasmapheresis and long-term drug therapy well, and clinical signs resolved over a 90-day period. The monoclonal gammopathy resolved after treatment, but specific antibody to E canis indicated suppression followed by a rebound to the initial high titer.     

Transmission trials, ITS2-PCR and RAPD-PCR show identity of Toxocara canis isolates from red fox and dog.

Toxocara canis isolates from dog and from red fox were compared in transmission trials and with molecular analysis using RAPD-PCR technique and comparison of the ITS2 sequence. After oral infection of bitches with 20,000 embryonated T. canis eggs of vulpine and canine origin, the vertical transmission to pup's was examined. All animals of both groups developed typical clinical symptoms of toxocarosis. The haematological, serological, parasitological and post mortem results showed no differences between both isolates except for the infectivity of T. canis stages in mice where the fox isolate showed a significant higher infectivity than the dog isolate. The RAPD-PCR showed a similarity coefficient of 0.95, similar to the range of intraspecific variation in Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina specimens as outgroups. The ITS2 comparison showed a 100% identity between both isolates with no intraspecific variations. Therefore, the study shows that the fox and the dog isolate of T. canis were identical in infectivity, transmission and molecular structure; a host adaptation could not be found and the fox has to be seen as a reservoir for T. canis infections in dogs. Considering the increasing number of foxes in urban areas the importance of helminth control in dogs is stressed.     

Molecular detection and characterization of Ehrlichia canis from dogs in Turkey

Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis antibodies among dogs in Turkey were previously reported, however, the ehrlichial organism has never been characterized in this region. The current study examined dogs from Ankara with febrile illness for E. canis infection with E. canis-specific PCR. Three of the 12 blood specimens from dogs showing clinical signs compatible with canine ehrlichiosis were found to be positive by PCR using E. canis-specific primers. E. canis detected in one of the blood specimens was designated as Kutahya strain. The representative E. canis strain was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Western blot analysis of the plasma sample from the dog infected with E. canis. The 16S rRNA sequence (1,388 bp) of the E. canis Kutahya was identical to that of Ehrlichia ovina from a sheep in Turkey and Venezuelan Dog Ehrlichia (VDE) and was closely related (99.9%) to that of type strain of E. canis, Oklahoma. The plasma of the dog infected with E. canis Kutahya was analyzed by Western blotting using the purified E. canis Oklahoma strain as antigen. The reactive antibody profiles of the dog infected with E. canis Kutahya was found to be similar to those of dogs infected with E. canis Oklahoma and VDE, suggesting the antigenic similarities among these strains. The findings in this study would help for a better understanding of epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis. This is the first report of molecular detection and characterization of an ehrlichial agent in Turkey.     

Topical (pour-on) ivermectin in the treatment of chronic generalized demodicosis in dogs

Twelve privately owned dogs with chronic generalized demodicosis were treated topically along the dorsal midline with 1.5 mg kg⁻¹ of 0.5% pour-on ivermectin for cattle three times per week for 3–6 months. All 12 dogs had a substantial reduction in clinical signs and in the number of Demodex canis mites found on skin scrapings. Only two dogs, however, became skin-scrapings negative after 3 and 5 months of treatment, respectively. In these two dogs treatment was prolonged for an additional 4 weeks past the negative scrapings. One dog relapsed 2 months after cessation of therapy; the other is still free of symptoms 1.5 years later. The cure rate, based on the lack of recurrence of clinical signs for 12 months after discontinuation of ivermectin administration, was 1 of 12 dogs (8%). Adverse reactions were not seen.