A dull coat, hairless, inflamed areas of skin and often very severe itching are characteristic of this parasitic skin disease, which occurs worldwide and can affect dogs of all ages. It is triggered by a mite, Demodex, which is also found on healthy dogs. Why it multiplies at an above-average rate in certain cases and leads to the skin changes mentioned above is still not fully understood. The disease is not considered contagious.
Demodex mites are part of the normal skin flora of dogs and are found primarily in the hair follicles, but also in the sebaceous and sweat glands. Triggered by certain factors that have not yet been fully researched, there is an unnatural increase in the number of mites, which then leads to the destruction of the hair follicles and the overlying skin. This results in secondary bacterial infections, some of which cause severe, purulent skin inflammation. Generalized demodicosis in young dogs is thought to be caused by a specific defect in the immune cells and is therefore considered hereditary. In contrast, spontaneous, localized, often self-healing demodicosis in young dogs is not hereditary and therefore does not require exclusion from breeding. In older dogs, stress, malnutrition, or underlying internal diseases are believed to lead to excessive reproduction of Demodex mites and the associated skin changes.
Affected dogs usually first show a few scaly, hairless patches in their coat, but general hair loss may also occur. At this stage, there is often no itching. The affected areas of skin may turn gray as the condition progresses. Secondary bacterial infections can lead to pustules, crusts, and ulcers. Young dogs often show the first skin changes around the eyes, lips, or limbs. If hair loss is limited to certain areas, it is considered localized demodicosis, which, according to the latest findings, is not hereditary. In most cases, self-healing occurs during this phase and the symptoms disappear after a short time.
However, if the skin changes spread to the entire body, this is referred to as generalized demodicosis, which is believed to have a hereditary component. In this phase, the symptoms are often accompanied by severe itching, swollen lymph nodes, severe general discomfort, fever, and pain.
A veterinary examination and treatment is strongly recommended at the latest when the generalized form develops. Even if the veterinarian can already make a tentative diagnosis based on the dog's history and a thorough clinical examination, further examination of the skin is essential to confirm the presence of Demodex mites. Skin material is taken via a deep skin scraping or skin biopsy (skin sample) in order to detect live Demodex mites. It should be noted that only a significantly increased number of eggs, larvae, and mites indicate disease, as individual Demodex mites are part of normal skin colonization.
Young dogs suffering from localized demodicosis do not usually require treatment, as the skin changes resolve on their own. In case of doubt, only any secondary infections that may occur should be treated appropriately.
However, generalized demodicosis should always be treated by a veterinarian due to the severity of the symptoms alone. Treatment is very lengthy and includes both external and general treatment. Affected animals are usually treated with an external mite-killing agent applied to the entire body and also receive spot-on or oral preparations. Please discuss the exact treatment plan for your pet with your veterinarian.
The prognosis for localized demodicosis is good. In cases of generalized demodicosis, the chances of recovery depend on whether any underlying diseases or immune system disorders can be treated. If this is not the case, the prognosis is generally poor to unfavorable. In some cases, however, the symptoms can be suppressed with lifelong treatment. Due to the hereditary component of the disease, young animals affected by generalized and recurrent demodicosis should be excluded from breeding.
Heart disease is also relatively common in our four-legged friends, affecting almost one in ten dogs. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood into the circulatory system, meaning that the body is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen.
Urolithiasis, colloquially referred to as urinary stone disease, refers to the formation and deposition of various concretions in the urinary tract of horses. Although this disease occurs sporadically in horses, it can lead to serious symptoms and significant impairments. The deposits can occur in the form of crystals, grit, sand, or stones and are most commonly found (approx. 60%) in the urinary bladder. Geldings are more severely affected than stallions or mares.
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