Mites Flashcards
demodex
commensal mite found in hair follicles of mammals
demodex transmission
direct contact
transmitted from dam during nursing in first 2-3 days
pathogenesis of demodicosis
overgrowth of mites within hair follicles
in healthy animals - innate immune system controls demodex populations in the skin
in immunocompromised animals - unable to control population –> demodicosis
canine demodicosis species
d. canis
d. injai
D. canis
commensal in hair follicles of dogs
shorter tail (~1x body length)
D. injai
not commensal; found in sebaceous glands of terrier breeds
longer tail (~2x body length)
clinical signs of D. canis demodicosis
- alopecia (focal to multifocal/generalized)
- minimal to NO pruritus
- folliculitis
- papules, pustules
- comedones
- +/- erythema
- secondary bacterial infection
localized demodicosis - signalment
juvenile onset
3 to 6 months
localized demodicosis - pathogenesis
immature immune system unable to regulate demodex populations
localized demodicosis lesions
1-4 areas of focal alopecia +/- erythema
lesions <2.5 cm
most often located on face or front limbs
generalized demodicosis - signalment
juvenile or adult onset
generalized demodicosis pathogenesis
multifocal or generalized overgrowth of demodex mites
generalized demodicosis lesions
multifocal, patchy, or generalized alopecia w/ erythema
variable pruritus usually only seen if secondary infection present
some dogs may be systemically ill
juvenile onset demodicosis
dogs ranging from 3 months to 2 years
staffies, sharpeis, frenchies, pitties, boxers, bostons
what causes juvenile onset demodicosis
genetic defect leading to a dynsfunction in control of demodex
juvenile onset demodicosis lesions
multifocal, patchy alopecia
nodules
draining tracts
adult onset demodicosis
dogs > 2 years
what causes adult onset demodicosis
immunosuppression - systemic illness vs medication induced
diseases: cushings, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, neoplasia
drugs: corticosteroids, apoquel
adult onset demodicosis lesions
marked erythema
ulcerations
hemorrhagic crusting
deep secondary infections
pododemodicosis
demodicosis affecting the front paws or all 4 paws ONLY
erythema, hyperpigmentation, swelling, nodules, draining tracts
SIGNIFICANT swelling of the paws
what breed of dog is most affected by demodex injai
terrier breeds
clinical signs of D. injai
moderate to severe pruritus
greasy dorsal stripe
NO alopecia
diagnostics for demodex
- signalment and history
- PE (alopecia vs greasy dorsal stripe)
- deep skin scraping
- trichoscopy
- acetate tape
- histopathology
treatment for localized demodicosis
benign neglect
OR
topical therapy (benzoyl peroxide, topical antiseptics)