Juvenile‐onset and adult‐onset demodicosis in dogs in the UK: prevalence and breed associations

• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13067
• Publication Date: 2019-10-04T15:29:50Z
• Authors: D. G. O'Neill; E. Turgoose; D. B. Church; D. C. Brodbelt; A. Hendricks
• Keywords: Demodicosis

Objectives To explore epidemiological features of demodicosis relevant to UK veterinary general practitioners. Breed risk factors were proposed as distinct between juvenile‐onset and adult‐onset disease. Materials Methods The study used anonymised clinical data on dogs under primary care at practices enrolled in the VetCompass Programme. Case inclusion required recording a final diagnosis for dermatological condition that was present during 2013 period. Risk factor analysis multivariable logistic regression modelling. Results In aged <2 years (juvenile‐onset), 1‐year period prevalence 0.48% (95% confidence interval: 0.45 0.52). Compared with crossbred dogs, seven breeds showed increased odds demodex: British bulldog, Staffordshire bull terrier, Chinese shar‐pei, dogue de Bordeaux, pug, French bulldog boxer. Additionally, six reduced juvenile demodicosis: Lhasa apso, bichon frise, Labrador retriever, German shepherd dog, shih‐tzu Chihuahua. >4 (adult‐onset), 0.05% 0.0.04 0.06). Six compared dogs: shih‐tzu, West Highland white boxer Border terrier. Clinical Significance Juvenile‐onset is much more common (about 10 times higher) than form. Knowledge predisposed these two presentations can assist support concept aetiopathogenetic phenotypes.