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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Treating recurring demodicosis skin disease in a spayed female Eskimo

By P. O. Ojo & I. O. Ademola·Published in Nigerian Veterinary Journal·2026·View original on Semantic Scholar

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Original publication title: Successful Management of a Recurring Canine Demodicosis in a Spayed Adult Female Eskimo Dog

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A 9-year-old spayed female Eskimo dog was brought in for severe skin problems, including hair loss, redness, and itchy sores, which were complicated by a secondary bacterial infection. Tests confirmed she had a recurring skin condition caused by Demodex mites. The initial treatment with ivermectin provided only temporary relief, so the veterinarian switched to a more comprehensive plan that included a higher dose of ivermectin, fluralaner (Bravecto™), weekly amitraz washes, and anti-inflammatory medication. This new approach successfully cleared up her skin issues and improved her overall condition.

People also search for: dog skin problems treatment · Eskimo dog Demodex mites · ivermectin for dog skin infection

Abstract

This case report describes a recurrent episode of generalized demodicosis in a 9-year-old spayed female Eskimo dog referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan. The dog presented with chronic dermatological lesions including alopecia, erythema, follicular pustules, and pruritus, accompanied by secondary bacterial infection. Diagnostic evaluation via skin scraping confirmed the presence of Demodex spp., while other laboratory tests showed mild hyperproteinaemia, elevated eosinophil count, and increased serum AST levels. Initial treatment with subcutaneous ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) provided transient relief, but recurrence necessitated a more comprehensive regimen. A multimodal therapeutic approach combining fluralaner (Bravecto™), higher-dose ivermectin (0.3 mg/kg), weekly amitraz washes, and anti-inflammatory support with dexamethasone proved effective in resolving lesions. This case highlights theimportance of accurate diagnosis, sustained acaricidal therapy, and regular monitoring in managing chronic demodicosis, especially in immunocompromised or geriatric dogs. 

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Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/4f051e4a99c0ba514c30d114d05f872d8e144f83