Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Adult-onset demodicosis in dogs and related health issues
By Pinsenschaum, Lisa et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2019·University of Munich, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Is there a correlation between canine adult-onset demodicosis and other diseases?
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of older dogs, averaging 8 years old, was diagnosed with adult-onset demodicosis, a skin condition caused by mites. Many of these dogs also had other health issues, with about 40% showing conditions like hyperglucocorticoidism (high cortisol levels) and hypothyroidism. Breeds such as West Highland White Terriers, Maltese Terriers, and Shih Tzus were more commonly affected. If your dog shows signs of skin problems, it's important to have them checked for these other health issues as well. Treatment for the underlying conditions can help improve their skin health.
People also search for: dog skin problems · adult-onset demodicosis treatment · West Highland White Terrier skin issues · hypothyroidism in dogs · high cortisol levels in dogs
Abstract
Demodicosis is frequently seen in small animal practice. In older dogs, it is often associated with immunosuppression and immunosuppressive diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate a larger number of dogs with adult-onset demodicosis (AOD) at the veterinary teaching hospitals of the University of Sydney/Australia and the University of Munich/Germany. Breed predispositions were compared with the two control populations. Of more than 20 000 dogs and 15 000 in each respective hospital population, 54 dogs in Munich and 68 dogs in Sydney were diagnosed with AOD at a mean age of 8 years. Breed predispositions were seen for West Highland White Terriers in Munich (p<0.0001) and Maltese Terriers and Shih Tzus in Sydney (p<0.01). Concurrent diseases were confirmed in approximately 40% of the dogs both in Munich and Sydney. A significant association was only found between AOD and hyperglucocorticoidism, hypothyroidism and (in Munich) leishmaniosis. Neoplastic diseases were not significantly more common in dogs with demodicosis than in the total population at both locations (p>0.05). Consequently, dogs with AOD should be evaluated for concurrent hyperglucocorticoidism and hypothyroidism, and, in areas of the world where this is prevalent, also for leishmaniosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31409752/