Diagnosis and Treatment of Demodicosis in Pet Dogs with Dermatological Lesions by Amitraz in Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Demodex is a tiny parasite (smaller than one millimeter) that can sometimes cause a skin disease called Demodicosis in dogs and cats. Demodicosis in dogs is created by three species of mites called Demodex canis, Demodex injai, and Demodex cornei. The most common mite-causing demodicosis in dogs is D. canis. This mite lives in hair roots and sometimes in sebaceous glands, where they feed on cells. Methods: This study was conducted on 200 pet dogs aged one month to 9 years referred to veterinary clinics in Tabriz, Iran, who had clinical symptoms of dermatological lesions from November 2021 to November 2023. Skin samples were taken through skin scrapings, and in the laboratory, first, these samples were clarified using potassium hydroxide 10% and lactophenol and then examined by a microscope. Finally, 10 dogs infected with Demodex mange were isolated and treated twice daily with Amitraz as a spray prepared from poison powder for one week. Results: In this study, out of 200 dogs tested during 2 consecutive years 2021–2023, 10 (5%) were infected with Demodex mange. The highest rate of prevalence of demodicosis in pet dogs in Tabriz was found in dogs under 2 years old 7 (70%), while the lowest rate of demodicosis was observed in dogs aged 2–4 years 1 (10%). The prevalence of demodicosis in pet dogs in Tabriz was higher in female dogs (n=7, 70%) than that in male dogs (n=3, 30%). The results of this study revealed that the drug Amitraz could kill Demodex 100% in dogs. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that the drug Amitraz is able to destroy 100% Demodex in pet dogs. Thus, this is an effective drug against Demodex.