Demodectic mange

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Breed predisposition, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Predisposing factors, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Standard treatment, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Rosanna Marsella DVM DipACVD
Mr David Scarff BVetMed CertSAD MRCVS

Introduction

  • Cause : Demodex cati and/or Demodex gatoi .
  • Signs : variably pruritic dermatitis of the head and neck.
  • Diagnosis : skin scraping.
  • Treatment : ectoparasiticide.
  • Prognosis : good for superficial mites.
  • Demodex cati may be associated with serious systemic disease.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Localized lesions of erythema, scaling, crusting and alopecia  Demodicosis  .
  • Principally affecting the face, head and neck.
  • Pruritus is variable, but may be severe with Demodex gatoi .
  • Symmetrical alopecia  Symmetrical alopecia: medial aspect of forelimb   Symmetrical alopecia: caudal aspect of tail  , sometimes with scaling.
  • Overgrooming of hind limbs, flanks  Symmetrical alopecia: flank  and ventral abdomen  Symmetrical alopecia: ventral alopecia  .
  • Ceruminous otitis externa  Otitis externa  .
  • Generalized form of infection.
  • Clinical signs may be minimal.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Flea allergy dermatitis  Flea bite hypersensitivity  .
  • Food sensitivity  Food hypersensitivity  .
  • Atopy  Atopy  .
  • Psychogenic alopecia  Alopecia: overview  .
  • Otitis externa  Otitis externa  .
  • Notoedric mange  Notoedric mange  .
  • Contact allergy  Skin: allergic contact dermatitis  .
  • Drug eruption  Drug eruption  .

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • The prognosis for Demodex cati may be adversely affected by underlying systemic disease.
  • The prognosis for the unnamed Demodex mite is good. It is easily killed, probably because of its superficial location in epidermal pits.

Expected response to treatment

  • Resolution of clinical signs.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Underlying systemic disease.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Desch C E Jr & Stewart T B (1999)Demodex gatoi (new species of hair follicle mite -Acari Demodecidae- from domestic cat).J Med Entomol36(2), 167-170.
  • Chesney C J (1989)Demodicosis in the cat.JSAP30, 689.
  • Ackerman L (1984)Demodicosis in cats.Mod Vet Pract65(10), 751-752.
  • Desch C & Nutting W B (1979)Demodex cati Hirst 1919 -a redescription.Cornell Vet69(3), 280-285.

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