Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral ivermectin at the dosage of 0.35 mg kg^-1 day^-1 for the treatment of generalized demodicosis in 10 adult dogs. Five of these 10 dogs had failed to respond to previous topical amitraz therapy. The mean time to obtain negative skin scrapings was 2.7 months and the mean duration of treatment was 4 months (range 2.5–8.5 months). Three patients (30%) were cured and they remained free of mites within 1 year follow-up. Two dogs (20%) were in remission for less than 6 months and five dogs (50%) relapsed. These five cases that relapsed were retreated with the above dosage of ivermectin and topical amitraz solution (1 mL Taktic/30 mL mineral oil) applied to site(s) of recurrence. One of these five cases that relapsed was in remission for more than 6 months, two dogs were in remission for less than 6 months and two dogs are still receiving treatment. Résumé— Le propos de cette étude est d'évaluer l'efficacieté de l'ivermectine par voie orale à un dosage de 0,35 mg/kg/jour dans le traitement de la démodécie généralisée chez 10 chiens adultes. Cinq de ces chiens n'avaient pas répondu à une thérapeutique topique préalable à l'amitraz. Le délai moyen pour obtenir la négativation des raclages cutanés est de 2,7 mois, et la durée moyenne de traitement est de 4 mois (extrême 2,5–8,5 mois). Trois patients (30%) ont été guéris et n'ont pas rechuté dans l'année qui a suivi le traitement. Deux des chiens (20%) ont été en rémission pendant moins de 6 mois et 5 chiens (50%) ont rechuté. Ces 5 chiens qui ont rechuté ont été retraités avec l'ivermectine à la même posologie associée à une thérapeutique topique à l'amitraz (1 ml de Taktic dans 30 ml d'huile minérale), appliquée aux sites de rechute. Un de ces 5 chiens fut en rémission pendant plus de 6 mois, 2 chiens pendant moins de 6 mois, enfin, les deux derniers reçoivent encore le traitement. [Fondati, A. Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs (Efficacité de l'ivermectine administrée oralement tous les jours dans le traitement de 10 cas de démodécie généralisée du chien adulte). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 99–104.] Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de la ivermectina oral con una dosis de 0.35 mg/Kg-dia para el tratamiento de la demodicosis generalizada en 10 perros adultos. Cinco de los 10 perros no habian respondido previamente a la terapia tópica con amitraz. El tiempo medio de obtención de raspados cutáneos negativos fue de 2.7 meses y la duratión media del tratamiento, de 4 meses (de 2.5 a 8.5 meses). Tres pacientes (30%) se curaron y permanecieron sin ácaros en un año de seguimiento. Dos perros (20%) estuvieron en remisión durante menos de 6 meses y en cinco (50%) se produjeron recaidas. Los animales que recayeron fueron tratados con la dosis de Ivermectina especificada arriba y solutión tópica de amitraz (1 mL Taktic/30 mL aceite mineral) aplicado a la(s) zona(s) de recidiva. Uno de los casos que recayó había estado en remisión durante 6 meses, dos perros estuvieron en remisión durante menos de 6 meses y dos estan aún bajo tratamiento. [Fondati, A. Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs (Eficacia de la Ivermectina oral en dosis diarias en el tratamiento de 10 casos de demodicosis generalizada en perros adultos). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 99–104.] Zusammenfassung— Zweck dieser Studie war, die Wirksamkeit von oralem Ivermectin mit einer Dosierung von 0,35 mg/kg und Tag bei der Behandlung von generalisierter Demodikose bei 10 erwachsenen Hunden auszuwerten. 5 dieser 10 Hunden hatten auf eine vorausgegangene topische Amitraz-Therapie nicht angesprochen. Die Durchschnittszeit, um negative Hautgeschabsel zu erhalten, lag bei 2,7 Monaten, die Durchschnittsdauer der Behandlung bei 4 Monaten (mit einer Spannweite von 2,5 bis 8,5 Monaten). 3 Patienten (30%) wurden geheilt und blieben innerhalb des überwachungszeitraumes von 1 Jahr milbenfrei. Zwei Hunde (20%) waren in Remission für weniger als 6 Monate und 5 Hunde (50%) hatten ein Rezidiv. Diese fünf Rezidivfälle wurden mit der oben genannten Dosis Ivermectin und topischer Amitraz-Lösung (1 ml Taktic/30 ml Mineralöl) an den Stellen erneuter Veränderungen behandelt. Einer dieser fünf Rezidivfälle war in Remission für mehr als 6 Monate, zwei Hunde waren in Remission für weniger als 6 Monate und zwei Hunde sind immer noch unter Therapie. [Fondati, A. Efficacy of daily oral ivermectin in the treatment of 10 cases of generalized demodicosis in adult dogs (Wirksamkeit einer täglichen oralen Ivermectingabe bei der Behandlung von 10 Fällen von generalisierter Demodikose bei erwachsenen Hunden). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 99–104.]     

Generalized demodicosis in a cat responsive to amitraz

Generalized demodicosis was diagnosed in a 14-year-old castrated male domestic short-hair cat. No underlying disease was detected. The cat responded incompletely or poorly to commonly recommended treatment, but responded well to total body dipping with 0.0125% amitraz at weekly intervals.     

Efficacy of 1.25% amitraz solution in the treatment of generalized demodicosis (eight cases) and sarcoptic mange (five cases) in dogs

Eight dogs with generalized demodicosis and five with sarcoptic mange were treated with 1.25% amitraz solution applied weekly and associated with an antidote treatment (atipamezol, 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ IM once: and yohimbine 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ once daily for 3 days, orally). Results of skin scrapings were used to determine whether therapy should be continued or stopped. The median number of treatments for demodicosis and sarcoptic mange was three (range 2–5) and two (range 1–3), respectively. Some side-effects were observed but all were stopped with antidote treatment; no failure or relapses occurred at 6–36 months after treatment.     

Daily ivermectin for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs

Abstract Twelve dogs with generalized demodicosis were treated with oral administration of ivermectin, 0.4 mg kg^-1 of body weight given once every 24 h. Results of skin scrapings were used to determine whether administration of ivermectin should be continued or stopped. Dogs that were free of clinical signs of demodicosis 12 months after administration of ivermectin was discontinued were considered cured. Five dogs were cured. The medían duration of treatment was 15 weeks (range 5–21 weeks). Seven dogs were failures, with five relapsing 3–11. 5 months after treatment was stopped, and two having persistent demodicosis in spite of treatment. Mild ivermectin toxicosis developed in one dog after 5 weeks of treatment; side-effects resolved shortly after the treatment was stopped. Resumen Se trataron doce perros con demodicosis generalizada con ivermectina oral, 0.4 mg/Kg de peso corporal una vez cada 24 h. Se realizaron raspados cutáneos para déterminar si debia retirarse o continuar con la administración de ivermectina. Se consideraron curados aquellos perros sin sintomatologia de demodicosis 12 meses después de retirar la terapia con ivermectina. La duración medía del tratamiento con ivermectina fue de 15 semanas (rango de 5–21). Se fracasó en siete perros, con cinco recidivas a los 3–11, 5 meses después de parar la terapia y dos con demodicosis persistente a pesar del tratamiento. Un perro desarrolló una toxicosis leve a la ivermectina a las 5 semanas del tratamiento; los efectos secundarios desaparecieron al poco de retirar el tratamiento. [Medleau, L., Ristic, Z., McElveen, D.R. Daily ivermectin for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs (Administración díaria de ivermectina para el tratamiento de le demodicosis generalizada en el perro). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 209–212.] Résumé Douze chiens présentant une démodécie généralisée fürent traités par administration orale d'ivermectine à la dose de 0.4 mg/kg de poids une fois par jour. Les résultats des raclages cutanés servirent à déterminar la nécessité de continuer ou d'arrêter l'administration d'ivermectine. Les chiens ne présentant aucun symptôme de démodécie 12 mois après l'arrêt de l'ivermectine fürent considérés guéris. Cinq chiens fürent guéris. La durée moyenne du traitement fut de 15 semaines (intervalles de 5 à 21 semaines. Sept cas fürent des échecs, avec 5 chiens récidivant 3 à 11, 5 mois après l'arrêt du traitement, et 2 présentant une démodécie persistante malgré le traitement. Un chien a développé une intoxication modéree après 5 semaines de traitement; les effets secondaires disparaissant rapidement après l'arrêt du traitement. [Medleau, L., Ristic, Z., McElveen, D.R. Daily ivermectin for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs (Administration quotidienne d'ivermectine dans le traitement de la démodécie généralisée chez le chien). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 209–212.] Zusammenfassung Zwölf Hunde mit generalisierter Demodikose wurden mit einer oralen Verabreichung von Ivermectin in der Dosierung von 0, 4 mg/kg Körpergewicht einmal alle 24 Stunden behandelt. Die Ergebnisse der Hautgeschabsel dienten zur Bestimmung, ob die Verabreichung weiterhin erfolgen sollte oder abzubrechen sei. Hunde, die 12 Monate nach Ende der Ivermectin-Verabreichung frei von klinischen Symptomen der Demodikose waren, wurden als geheilt betrachtet. Fünf Hunde waren geheilt. Die mittlere Therapiedauer betrug 15 Wochen (Spannweite 5 bis 21 Wochen). Bei sieben Hunden versagte die Therapie, wobei fünf nach 3 bis 11, 5 Monaten nach Behandlungsende ein Rezidiv bekamen und zwei Tiere trotz der Therapie einer persistierende Demodikose zeigten. Bel einem Hund entwickelte sich 5 Wochen nach der Behandlung eine milde Ivermectin-Intoxikation; die Nebenwirkungen verschwanden kurz nach Abbruch der Therapie. [Medleau, L., Ristic, Z., McElveen, D.R. Daily ivermectin for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs (Tägliche Ivermectinverabreichung als Behandlung für Hunde mit generalisierter Demodikose). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 209–212.]     

Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone plus amitraz for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs

A novel spot-on formulation containing metaflumizone plus amitraz (ProMeris/ProMeris Duo for Dogs, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Overland Park, KS) was evaluated for efficacy against sarcoptic mange mites in naturally infested dogs. Sixteen dogs were allocated to two equal groups and were housed individually. Eight of the dogs were treated topically with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the proposed minimum dose rate (20mg/kg of each of metaflumizone and amitraz, at a dose volume of 0.133ml/kg) on Days 0 and 28. The other eight were treated with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the proposed minimum dose rate on Days 0, 14, 28 and 42. To enumerate Sarcoptes scabiei mites, skin scrapings were taken on each of Days 2, 14, 28, 42 and 56. Clinical signs of mange and the extent of sarcoptic lesions were evaluated on each dog when scrapings were made. Evaluation of the efficacy of the treatment was based on the absence of mites supported by the absence of clinical signs associated with canine sarcoptic mange. Treatment with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the minimum proposed dose rate at monthly (two treatments) or two-weekly (four treatments) intervals resulted in a rapid reduction of mites and improved clinical signs. The overall cure rates at Day 56, based on zero mite counts and/or resolution of clinical signs were 75% and 83% of dogs for the monthly and two-weekly regimens, respectively.     

Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone plus amitraz for the treatment of demodectic mange in dogs

A novel spot-on formulation containing metaflumizone plus amitraz (ProMeris/ProMeris Duo for Dogs, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Overland Park, KS) was evaluated for efficacy against demodectic mange mites in naturally infested dogs. Sixteen dogs were allocated to two equal groups and individually housed. Eight of the dogs were treated topically with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the proposed minimum dose rate (20mg/kg of each of metaflumizone and amitraz, 0.133ml/kg) on Days 0, 28, and 56. The other eight were treated with metaflumizone plus amitraz at the proposed minimum dose rate on Days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70. Mite numbers were estimated from skin scrapings taken on Days -3 to -1, 28, 56, and 84. Clinical signs of mange and the extent of demodectic lesions on each dog were evaluated when skin scrapings were conducted. Efficacy of the treatment was based on a reduction in mite numbers and an assessment of the clinical signs associated with canine demodectic mange. Treatment at monthly or two-weekly intervals for 3 months resulted in a rapid reduction in mite numbers (>94 and >99% for the monthly and two-weekly treatments, respectively) and an improvement in clinical signs. Success rates, based on zero mite counts in skin scrapings at Day 84 were 42.9 and 62.5% of dogs for the monthly and two-weekly regimens, respectively.     

Use of lufenuron for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs

Abstract The efficacy of lufenuron for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs was investigated. Eleven dogs with generalized demodicosis received either low-dose lufenuron (mean 13.3 mg kg^-1 once a day on the first 5 days of the month) or high-dose lufenuron (mean 15.8 mg kg^-1 three times a week) orally for 2 or 3 months. None of the dogs showed a decrease in mite numbers on monthly examination of deep skin scrapings. To determine levels of orally administered lufenuron in the skin (epidermis and dermis), three adult dogs were each given lufenuron orally at a mean dose of 19.3 mg kg^-1 once a day for 5 days. Lufenuron was measured in samples of blood and skin collected on days 0, 1, 6, 16, 30, 44 and 60 after administering the drug. Mean skin levels of lufenuron were 10 times the corresponding blood levels. Lufenuron was ineffective as a treatment for generalized demodicosis in these dogs despite the fact that high drug levels were achieved in the skin. Résumé— L'efficacitée du Lufénuron dans le traitement de la démodécie généralisée du chien a étéévaluée 11 chiens présentant une démodécie généralisée ont reçu soit du lufeAnuron à dose faible (en moyenne 13, 3 mg kg^-1, 1 fois par jour les 5 premiers jours de chaque mois) ou à dose élevée (en moyenne 15, 8 mg kg^-1 fois par semaine) par voie orale pendant 2 à 3 mois. Aucun des chiens traités ne montre une diminution du nombre de parasites determine à partir de raclages cutanés profonds mensuels. Afin de déterminer les taux de lufénuron dans la peau (épiderme et derme), trois chiens adultes ont reçu chacun du lufénuron par voie orale à une dose moyenne de 19, 3 mg kg^-1, une fois par jour pendant 5 jours. Le lufénuron a été mesuré dans des échantillons sanguins et cutanés à JO, J1, J6, J16, J30, J44 et J60 après administration. Les taux moyens dans la peau sont 10 fois supérieurs aux taux sanguins correspondants. Le lufénuron est inefficace dans le traitement de la démodécie généralisée en dépit des concentrations élévées dans la peau. [Schwassmann, M., Kunkle, G. A., Hepler, D. I., Lewis, D. T. Use of lufénuron for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs. (Utilisation du Lufénuron pour le traitement de la démodécie généralisée du chien.) Veterinary Dermatology 1997; 8 : 11–18.] Resumen Se investigó la eficacia de lufénuron para el tratamiento de la demodicosis generalizada en perros. Once perros con demodicosis generalizada recibieron o bien una dosis baja de lufénuron (medía 13.3 mg kg^-1 una vez al día en los primeros 5 meses del mes) o una dosis alta de lufénuron (medía 15.8 mg kg^-1 3 veces a la semana) oralmente durante 2 o 3 meses. Ninguno de los perros mostró dismunición en el número de ácaros en los exámenes mensuales de raspados cutáneos profundos. Para detectar en la piel (epidermis y dermis) los niveles de lufénuron administrado oralmente, a tres perros adultos se les administró a cada uno lufénuron oral a una dosis medía de 19.3 mg kg^-1 una vez al día durante 5 días. Se cuantificó el lufénuron en muestras de sangre y piel tomadas a días 0, 1, 6, 16, 30, 44 y 60 después de la administración del fármaco. Los valores cutáneos medios de lufénuron fueron 10 veces los valores sanguineos correspondientes. Lufénuron no tuvo efecto como tratamiento de la demodicosis generalizada en estos perros a pesar de los altos niveles farmacológicos alcanzados a nivel cutáneo. [Schwassmann, M., Kunkle, G. A., Hepler, D. I., Lewis, D. T. Use of lufénuron for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs. (Uso de lufénuron para el tratamiento de la demodicosis generalizada en perros.) Veterinary Dermatology 1997; 8 : 11–18.] Zusammenfassung— Die Wirksamkeit von Luferunon in der Behandlung von generalisierter Demodikose wurde untersucht. Elf Hunde mit generalisierter Demodikose erhielten entweder eine niedrige (durchschnittlich 13.3 mg kg^-1 täglich an den ersten fünf Monatstagen) oder hohe Dosis Lufénuron (durchschnittlich 15.8 mg kg^-1 dreimal wöchentlich) oral für 2–3 Monate. Bei keinem Hund zeigte die monatliche Untersuchung von tiefen Hautgeschabseln eine Verminderung der Milbenanzahl. Um den Hautspiegel (Epidermis und Dermis) des oral verabreichten Lufénurons zu bestimmen, erhielten drei Hunde jeweils oral Lufénuron in einer Durchschnittsdosis von 19.3 mg kg^-1 täglich für 5 Tage. Lufénuron wurde in Serum-und Hautproben gemessen die vor und 1, 6, 16, 30, 44 und 60 Tage nach Beginn der Medikamenteneinnahme genommen wurden. Durchschnittliche Hautspiegel von Lufénuron waren zehn Mai so hoch wie die korrespondierenden Blutspiegel. Die Behandlung der generalisierten Demodikose mit Lufénuron war trotz der hohen Medikamentenkonzentration in der Haul unwirksam. [Schwassmann, M., Kunkle, G. A., Hepler, D. I., Lewis, D. T. Use of lufénuron for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs. (Die Verwendung von Lufénuron für die Behandlung der generalisierten Demodikose beim Hund.) Veterinary Dermatology 1997; 8 : 11–18.]     

Effects of amitraz on nerve conduction and neuromuscular transmission in anaesthetised dogs

Ataxia is an occasional side effect of amitraz when used as a wash to treat dogs with demodectic mange. In the present study, successive doses of 0.5, 2, 5 and 10 mg kg-1 amitraz were given intravenously at intervals of nine minutes to thiopentone/methoxyflurane/oxygen anaesthetised dogs. The amplitude of the evoked muscle action potential to electrical stimulation of the right ulnar nerve and the muscle refractory period were unchanged by increasing doses of amitraz but there was a progressive and significant decrease in nerve conduction velocity. The minimum recorded nerve conduction velocity (50.7 +/- 1.5 m s-1) was still within an adequate range. From these results it appears that the ataxia following amitraz is unlikely to be attributable to peripheral mechanisms. The concurrent amitraz-induced rise in mean arterial pressure and bradycardia was consistent with previous findings in which alpha 2-adrenoceptors were shown to be the major mediators.     

The role of apoptosis in immunosuppression of dogs with demodicosis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of apoptosis in peripheral blood leukocytes of dogs with demodicosis. A total of 26 dogs suffering from demodicosis, and positive for Demodex canis mites by skin scraping, participated in the study, 13 with localized demodicosis (LD) and 13 with generalized demodicosis (GD). A further 13 clinically healthy dogs, all of whom were negative for mites upon skin scraping, were used as controls. The dogs with GD revealed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentage of leukocytes with externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) as compared with the dogs with LD and healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values (P ≤ 0.0001) of hematological parameters viz. hemoglobin, total erythrocytes count total leukocytes count, lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. Significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentages of leukocytes with externalization of PS and depolarized ΔΨm were also found in dogs with LD as compared with the healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values of Hb (P ≤ 0.0001), TEC (P=0.025), TLC (P ≤ 0.0001), lymphocytes (P=0.008), monocytes (P ≤ 0.0001) and neutrophils (P=0.03). It is concluded that premature apoptosis of PBL may be implicated in the immunosuppression of the dogs with demodicosis.     

Efficacy of sprays of amitraz against Boophilus ticks on cattle

Cattle infested with all parasitic life-stages of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) and B. annulatus (Say) were sprayed with 0.0125 or 0.025% active ingredient (AI) Amitraz. The detachment pattern of engorged or partially engorged females indicated that both concentrations of Amitraz caused premature detachment, with at least 90% of all females detaching within 24 h post-treatment. A large portion of the females collected during the first 24 h post-treatment were not fully engorged. The 2 tick species were equally sensitive to both concentrations tested. At 0.0125%, control of Index of Reproduction (IR) of B. annulatus was 98.9% while control of B. microplus was 97.8%. At 0.025% control of IR was 99.2 and 98.0% for B. annulatus and B. microplus, respectively. Amitraz adversely affected size and oviposition of females and the hatchability of eggs laid by treated females. Based on known detachment intervals of females after infestation, it appeared that Amitraz-treated animals were protected against larval reinfestation of both species for ca. 7 days at 0.0125% and for ca. 10 days at 0.025%.     

Treatment of demodicosis in dogs: 2011 clinical practice guidelines

Background and Objectives – These guidelines were written by an international group of specialists with the aim to provide veterinarians with current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of canine demodicosis. Methods – Published studies of the various treatment options were reviewed and summarized. Where evidence in form of published studies was not available, expert consensus formed the base of the recommendations. Results – Demodicosis can usually be diagnosed by deep skin scrapings or trichograms; in rare cases a skin biopsy may be needed for diagnosis. Immune suppression due to endoparasitism or malnutrition in young dogs and endocrine diseases, neoplasia and chemotherapy in older dogs are considered predisposing factors and should be diagnosed and treated to optimize the therapeutic outcome. Dogs with disease severity requiring parasiticidal therapy should not be bred. Secondary bacterial skin infections frequently complicate the disease and require topical and/or systemic antimicrobial therapy. There is good evidence for the efficacy of weekly amitraz rinses and daily oral macrocyclic lactones such as milbemycin oxime, ivermectin and moxidectin for the treatment of canine demodicosis. Weekly application of topical moxidectin can be useful in dogs with milder forms of the disease. There is some evidence for the efficacy of weekly or twice weekly subcutaneous or oral doramectin. Systemic macrocyclic lactones may cause neurological adverse effects in sensitive dogs, thus a gradual increase to the final therapeutic dose may be prudent (particularly in herding breeds). Treatment should be monitored with monthly skin scrapings and extended beyond clinical and microscopic cure to minimize recurrences. Editor’s Note – A brief review article by R. Mueller has been published: Evidence‐based treatment of canine demodicosis, Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere 2011; 39: 419–24. This is not considered to constitute duplication of the article published here in Veterinary Dermatology.     

Influence of systemic antibiotics on the treatment of dogs with generalized demodicosis

Canine generalized demodicosis (CGD) is a skin disease with distinct breed predispositions. Secondary bacterial infections are common. Dogs typically receive miticidal therapy in combination with antibacterial treatment. Whether antibiotics influence the duration of acaricidal therapy is unknown at the moment. There is also debate over how common short-tailed Demodex mites occur in demodicosis. This study evaluated the influence of systemic antibiotics on the course of CGD, the occurrence of short-tailed Demodex mites in demodectic dogs and the influence of furunculosis on treatment outcome. Breed predispositions for CGD in Moscow were identified. Fifty-eight dogs were randomly distributed in two groups. Both were treated with ivermectin 600 mcg/kg q24h orally and benzoyl peroxide shampoo weekly. The dogs in one group (AB) were additionally treated with systemic antibiotics for at least 1 month, dogs in the other group (NAB) were not. Monthly examinations, skin scrapings and impression smears were performed. Prior to the study there was no difference in clinical severity, presence of pyoderma and mite numbers between groups. There was no significant difference in duration until first negative skin scrapings and resolution of bacterial infection. In dogs with furunculosis the number of the mites was significantly higher than in dogs without furunculosis but the duration until microscopic remission albeit longer, was not significantly different. Short-tailed Demodex mites were found in 25% of the cases. Pugs and English Bulldogs were predisposed. Based on these results, systemic antibiotics may not impact as much as previously thought on the actual success of CGD treatment.     

Fat absorption in dogs with demodicosis or zinc-responsive dermatosis.

Quantitative absorption of long-chain triglycerides was studied in normal dogs, dogs with demodicosis and dogs which had been successfully treated for zinc-responsive dermatosis. The mean serum triglyceride concentration of dogs treated for zinc-responsive dermatosis was significantly lower than that of normal dogs before (P less than 0.01) and at one hour (P less than 0.01) and two, three and four hours (P less than 0.001) after feeding vegetable oil. No significant difference was detected in the mean serum triglyceride concentration of dogs with demodicosis and normal dogs at any of the sampling times.     

Effects of topical application of amitraz on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in dogs

Amitraz, a formamidine insecticide, is used topically in the treatment of demodicosis and other ectoparasitic infestations. When 3.78 L (containing 2.1 g) of amitraz (twice the recommended concentration) was applied to 5 dogs 4 hours before glucose (0.6 g/kg of body weight) was administered IV, plasma glucose concentration increased, but the increase in plasma insulin concentration, which usually follows IV administered glucose, was suppressed. The results suggested that amitraz induced hyperglycemia at least partly by inhibiting insulin release.