Demodecosis

Dermatological problems are a frequent reason for pet owners to visit a veterinary clinic. One of the most common such diseases is demodecosis. It occurs, including in humans. However, the mites causing it are species-specific, so the owner does not risk infection from the pet.

What is demodecosis, features and types. Causes of the disease in dogs, cats

Demodecosis is a parasitic disease provoked by micro mites of the genus Demodex. They initially penetrate the hair follicles, begin to move deep, gnawing out grooves in the epithelial layer. Through the ducts penetrate into the sebaceous glands, where they live, feeding on epidermal cells, the secretion of the sebaceous gland.

The life cycle of the parasite lasts from 21 to 28 days, during which the larva hatches from the egg and reaches sexual maturity. When the dog has a strong immunity, its defence mechanisms independently suppress the development of the mite. Otherwise, the colony grows, exceeds the permissible level, the animal becomes ill with demodecosis.

Reduce the resistance of the animal's body to the parasite such internal and external factors as:

heredity (individuals with demodecosis are removed from breeding);

primary infectious diseases;

hypothyroidism;

unbalanced diet;

stress conditions;

poor grooming;

course intake of antitumour agents, corticosteroids during cancer therapy.

If not treated, Demodex penetrates into the lymph glands, and internal organs of the animal, causing serious damage to the health of the cat or dog.

Specialists distinguish two forms of the disease:

Local - affects no more than five areas of the skin, the diameter of the foci does not exceed 3 cm;

generalised - covers almost the entire body, provokes complications, secondary infections.

The latter form, depending on the type of rashes, is divided into:

papular;

scaly;

pustular;

mixed varieties.

Separately classify the juvenile type of demodecosis of dogs and cats. It develops in young animals (up to a year), proceeds easily. Adult animals are infected rarely, usually against the background of systemic pathologies, immunosuppression. The disease is severe, with relapses and complications.

The main route of transmission of the mite is contact, from a sick individual to a healthy one. Usually the parasites pass to puppies or kittens from a female in the first three months of life. It is established that the pathology is more often diseased short-haired breeds of dogs. Cats are infected much less often.

Symptoms and diagnostic methods

The first sign of demodecosis is constant itching. The animal scratches intensely. Later, other symptoms join:

redness of the skin;

focal alopecia;

scabies;

crusts on the body;

pustules;

bleeding sores;

scaling;

scales;

various rashes;

hair loss on the muzzle, limbs, between the shoulder blades.

It is important to recognise the disease as early as possible and seek veterinary help. An experienced doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis after a visual examination of the pet.

To confirm it, several diagnostic methods are used:

deep scraping (up to capillary bleeding) from the affected area;

Trichogram - a study of hair follicles. It is used when the lesion site does not allow to make a full-fledged scraping;

biopsy;

pustule cytology.

The last two methods are rarely practised. Carrying out such analyses is appropriate if a dog with very thick coverings (for example, a shar-pei) is ill. Therapy of the pet depends on the form of the disease, the degree of its spread.

Treatment of the disease in pets

The process of eliminating demodecosis is complex, long, requiring a comprehensive approach. In treatment are used:

antiparasitic agents;

immunostimulants;

antibiotics;

infusion therapy to relieve intoxication, dehydration (performed in very severe cases).

Attention: all drugs, their dosages, duration of the course should be determined by a veterinarian!

Well-proven in the fight against mites is the drug Dekta Forte for cats and dogs of the company Apicenna. It destroys the parasite at any phase of its development, instantly acts as a local anaesthetic, relieves irritation, relieves itching. It is suitable for the treatment of demodecosis complicated by bacterial infection.