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Queen after 24 days of treatment.

"Queen", a 7 month old Shihtzu, presented to the VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Emergency Service Department for an elevated temperature, lethargy, inappetence, erythema (skin redness) and crusty dermatitis. After hospitalization, advanced diagnostic, IV fluid and a course injectable and oral antibiotics, her temperature decreased into normal range and a consult with our Dermatology Department to further address her skin was prescribed.

When Queen presented to VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Dermatology Department, Dr. Melanie Hnot, our Board Certified Dermatologist, diagnosed Queen with Demodex mites, as well as with a severe, deep skin infection.

Queen upon presentation to our VCA Hollywood Dermatology Service.

Demodex mites are mites that live in the hair follicle and dogs obtain them from their mothers. They are not contagious to other dogs or people. When a dog has suppression of their immune system, from medications, parasites, or malnutrition, they can develop demodicosis. Demodicosis is when the Demodex mites proliferate and lead to hair loss and skin infections. When Demodex mites live in the hair follicles, it predisposes dogs to superficial skin infections. If

the hair follicles rupture, then dogs can get deep bacterial infection, which Queen had.

The treatments for demodicosis include oral ivermectin daily, amitraz dips (only licensed treatment for demodex), oral milbemycin or Bravecto. Queen continued treatment for 6 weeks with antibiotics and Bravecto to kill off the Demodex mites and the results of her care are evident. 

Today, Queen is feeling much better. Her puppy personality is back as she is now wagging her tail and playing at home.

In 4 weeks, Dr. Hnot will perform additional deep skin scrapings hoping to reach 2 negative deep skin scrapings before approaching an "all clear" diagnosis. It can take months to treat dogs with

Queen after 10 days of treatment.

demodicosis and therefore treatment will continue one month past her second set of negative deep skin scrapings.

After treatment, Queen will need to be monitored for a recurrence of demodicosis. Certain medications can also increase the risk of demodicosis. Steroids can increase the risk of developing demodicosis so any oral, topical or injectable steroid should be avoided.

For now, Queen is feeling royal and she feels as good as she looks!