DAILY IVERMECTIN FOR TREATMENT OF GENERALIZED DEMODICOSIS IN DOGS

Twelve dogs with generalized demodicosis were treated with oral admini stration of ivermectin, 0.4 mg kg(-1) of body weight given once every 24 h. Results of skin scrapings were used to determine whether adminis tration of ivermectin should be continued or stopped. Dogs that were f ree of clinical signs of demodicosis 12 months after administration of ivermectin was discontinued were considered cured. Five dogs were cur ed. The median duration of treatment was 15 weeks (range 5-21 weeks). Seven dogs were failures, with five relapsing 3-11.5 months after trea tment was stopped, and two having persistent demodicosis in spite of t reatment. Mild ivermectin toxicosis developed in one dog after 5 weeks of treatment; side-effects resolved shortly after the treatment was s topped.