Treatment of canine generalized demodicosis using weekly injections of doramectin: 232 cases in the USA (2002-2012).

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Generalized demodicosis is a severe skin disease in the dog, with limited treatment options.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:

To demonstrate that doramectin, when given at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight, is a safe and effective treatment for generalized demodicosis in the dog.

ANIMALS:

Four hundred client-owned dogs diagnosed with generalized demodicosis at one general small-animal practice. Of these, 232 completed their treatment and were included in the study.

METHODS:

A retrospective study was carried out by searching the computerised medical records of dogs seen at one general small-animal practice in Tennessee, USA. The records of each dog with a diagnosis of generalized demodicosis, who underwent treatment using weekly injections of doramectin at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight, were analysed.

RESULTS:

Remission was achieved in 94.8% of dogs treated with weekly subcutaneous injections of doramectin at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight. Adverse events were rare with two suspected instances (0.5%) being recorded. The mean duration of treatment was 7.1 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:

Doramectin given at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection at weekly intervals is a useful and well-tolerated treatment for generalized demodicosis in the dog.

• Authors: John H C Hutt, I Craig Prior, Michael A Shipstone
• Journal: Veterinary dermatology (Vet Dermatol) Vol. 26 Issue 5 Pg. 345-9, e73 (Oct 2015) ISSN: 1365-3164 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26190685 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2015 ESVD and ACVD.

Chemical References

• Acaricides
• Ivermectin
• doramectin

Topics

• Acaricides (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Dog Diseases (drug therapy, parasitology)
• Dogs (parasitology)
• Female
• Injections, Subcutaneous (veterinary)
• Ivermectin (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Mite Infestations (drug therapy, veterinary)
• Retrospective Studies
• Tennessee