Alternative Treatments for the Cure of Dogs Infested by Demodex canis Leydig, 1859 (Arachnida: Acarina)

Abstract

Demodicosis is a very common cutaneous parasitic disease that afflicts dogs, usually inflammatory, does not produce contagion and is related to the excessive proliferation of mites of different species of the genus Demodex, which are commensal hosts, in small quantities, in the skin of canids. The objective of the research work was to propose a series of alternative treatments for the cure of demodicosis in dogs, using traditional natural medicine. The diagnosis was made by direct observation of D. canis in multiple skin scrapings, trichogram, acetate tape test, skin biopsy among others. In addition, data collection and processing methods were used. A total of 25 dogs infested by D. caninus, with generalized demodicosis (12 males and 8 females) aged between 6 months and 12 years were studied. The SPSS statistical program was used for data processing. As a result of the application of alternative treatments, with the use of traditional natural medicine, it was found that 100% of the specimens of Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758, were cured in different periods, taking into consideration the severity of the lesions and their breed. It is considered that the use of alternative treatments can substitute the use of industrial pharmaceuticals.