Vol. 7, Issue 4, Part B (2025)

Canine demodicosis is a non contagious skin disorder caused by Demodex canis, a mite that resides in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of dogs. While typically harmless in healthy dogs, overgrowth of the mite can lead to clinical manifestations such as alopecia, pustular lesions, and pruritus. A 10 month old female Doberman dog, weighing 12 kg, was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Salem, with a history of inappetence, dullness, itching, and hair shedding. The bitch had a previous history of ectoparasite infestation and followed regular vaccination and deworming schedules. Physical examination revealed alopecia, pustular lesions, dry scales, crusts, and scabs, especially around the ears, head, and shoulders. Examination of skin scraping confirmed a generalized demodicosis. The dog was initially treated with Ivermectin (400 μg/kg), Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg), and Enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg) for 20 days. Bravecto (Fluralaner) at 25 mg/kg was administered every 30-60 days, along with topical therapies using benzoyl peroxide (1-3%) and cypermethrin (1.0%) shampoos. The treatment successfully controlled the mite infestation and secondary bacterial infection. After three weeks, the dog showed a complete recovery, with two consecutive negative skin scrapings, confirming the resolution of the condition. The combination of systemic treatment with Ivermectin, Hydroxyzine, Enrofloxacin, and Fluralaner, alongside topical treatments, was effective in managing generalized demodicosis in this dog. This case highlights the effectiveness of combined systemic and topical therapies, including the use of isoxazoline derivatives like Fluralaner in treating generalized canine demodicosis.