Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Large-bodied Demodex mite infestation causing hair follicle disease
By Hillier, Andrew & Desch, Clifford E·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2002·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Large-bodied Demodex mite infestation in 4 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four dogs were diagnosed with a skin problem caused by large-bodied Demodex mites, which were found during skin scrapings. These mites were larger than the typical Demodex mites usually seen in dogs. All four dogs had a condition called generalized demodicosis, which means they had a widespread infestation of these mites. Two of the dogs also had other health issues, including high cortisol levels and low thyroid hormone levels. Treatment with medications to kill the mites and managing their other health problems helped all the dogs recover.
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Abstract
Large-bodied Demodex mites were detected in 4 dogs. The mites were readily detected in material obtained via deep skin scrapings and were most commonly found on the trunk. The mites were distinguishable from D. canis, because adult males were approximately 100% longer and adult females were approximately 50% longer than adult male and female D. canis mites, respectively. The large-bodied mites were found in the hair follicles, sebaceous ducts, and sebaceous glands in histologic sections of skin from 2 dogs. All dogs had adult-onset generalized demodicosis. Two dogs had coexistent iatrogenic hypercortisolism, 1 dog had hypothyroidism, and 1 dog did not have coexistent disease. Infestations responded to miticidal therapy, control of the coexistent disease, or both.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12418521/