Palmwoods
District News

May 27,
1999

Page 7

A word from the Palmwoods Vet
with Dr Brett Stone

Demodecosis - mites that invade the skin.There are now three demodex mite species recognised on the dog. As well as Demodex cants in the hair follicle, there is also the short bodied mite, that lives on the skin surface in the scale and causes pruritus (severe itching).

What causes demodecosis? The immunodefiency theory: After almost 100 years of research we have decided that the defective immune cell function is caused by the bacteria, because it disappears with antibiotic treatment. There must be other immunological factors involved and many people are working in this area to find the answer.

The alternative theory is a hormonal change in the host causes mites to breed. The mites then carry bacteria into the follicle.

Mites are sensitive to the reproductive cycle of the female dog. Increased breeding and migration of mites accurs at sexual maturation (which accounts for the mild localised form of the disease).

In late pregancy the mites proliferate and move to the skin surface in readiness to pass to the new born pups.The recent findings that 50% of adult onset demodecosis cases have abnormalities of the adernal gland or at least have been treated with cortisone, tends to support the hormone theory.

Treatment Ð The advent of the endectocides Ivermectin, Milbemycin and Cydectin has helped a lot. The most effective regime would appear to be daily dosage of these products for at least 60 to 90 days, combined with at least 1 month full dose of an oral antibiotic.

For more information, contact Palmwoods Veterinary Services 5445 9500.

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