Demodicosis in dogs – juvenile form

Clinically, the dog presents with hairless areas with or without visible skin inflammation. Complications with bacterial skin infection are common, requiring antibiotic treatments. When the disease has an onset prior to 18 months age (juvenile demodicosis) the condition is strongly associated with a genetic predisposition. Pugs, Stafforshire bullterrier and American staffordshire terrier belong to breeds overrepresented with the disease. Demodicosis is a rather common condition and can have a mild and self-limiting course or be severe, more difficult to control and with a long time needed for cure.  The more widespread form (generalized form, when the dog has more than 3-5 small areas or larger areas affected) needs antiparasitic treatment, usually for months.

We have identified genetic risk locus, but results need to be validated with more dogs. Furthermore, DLA haplotype seem to be involved in pathogenesis of the disease, with protective haplotype detected. For further validation of risk haplotypes we need more dogs in the study.

Participation

If you have a Pug, Staffordshire bullterrier or American staffordshire terrier that has, or has had, the generalized form of juvenile demodicosis – please contact us for further information. Each dog participating in the study is valuable!