Generalized canine demodicosis: case report

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the clinical condition of a case of generalized canine demodicosis and the effectiveness of the treatment applied. Theoretical methods used included deductive-inductive and analysis-synthesis. Among the empirical methods, the observation and survey methods were selected. In the latter, two techniques were deployed: documentary analysis, based on the dermatological medical history sheet records, which provided relevant information; and an interview of the caretaker of a male, mixed-breed, unneutered dog, 7 years old and weighing 8 kg live weight. The information collected led to the identification of Demodex through skin scraping. As a result, it is noted that the addition of Spirulina platensis combined with diphenhydramine 25 mg, linoleic and linolenic acids - marketed as omega 3 and omega 6, respectively - and ivermectin 1% at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg live weight with gradual increase, proved effective for the complete recovery of the animal. We concluded that generalized canine demodicosis has become an increasingly common disease, with a high degree of prevalence, and although there are several long-acting treatment options, they have the great disadvantage of being highly expensive. It was demonstrated that ivermectin 1%, when administered as described in this study, together with diphenhydramine, essential fatty acids and Spirulina platensis, is very effective and less expensive.