Recalcitrant adult onset canine demodicosis

Abstract

A 12 year old, small mixed breed castrated male dog presented to the Dermatology Service at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals in April, 2012 following a 45 day history of progressively worsening widespread pruritis. Previous care by a local veterinarian included injections of corticosteroid and ivermectin as well as outpatient courses of prednisone and antibiotics administered orally. Temporarily brief improvement was observed, followed by a rebound flare. He was then referred to Cornell. Based on physical examination, a skin wet-mount preparation and bacterial cultures, he was diagnosed with generalized adult onset demodicosis and staphylococcal folliculitis. Reistance to conventional therapy was demonstrated in subsequent visits. This presentation will discuss adult onset demodicosis in the context of this case including available pharmacological treatments.