Question of the Day

This is localized demodicosis and 90% of cases resolve without treatment. 

10% of cases go on to generalized demodicosis. Adult-onset demodicosis is often severe and refractory to treatment. Need to advise owner that many adult-onset cases are medically controlled, but not cured.

Avoid ivermectin in collies and herding breeds or mixed breeds with these breeds in them. The multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) mutation in these breeds causes life-threatening reactions to some drugs such as ivermectin. Perform genetic testing in at-risk breeds to detect affected dogs and avoid serious adverse drug reactions.

Image courtesy of Joel Mills.