A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF JUVENILE-ONSET AND ADULT-ONSET GENERALIZED DEMODICOSIS IN DOGS (1986-91)

The medical records of 81 dogs (47 juvenile, 34 adult) with generalize d demodicosis were reviewed. There was a significant difference in the distribution of breeds (juvenile P < 0.002, adult P < 0.001; chi squa red) presented for demodicosis compared with the distribution of the s ame breeds presented to our practice during the same time period. Cock er Spaniels and mixed-breed dogs were likely to be under-represented i n both the adult- and juvenile-onset groups. Significantly more mitici dal treatments were required to achieve clinical remission in adult do gs with pustular demodicosis compared with juvenile dogs with pustular disease (P < 0.05; Kruskall-Wallis). Concurrent disease and associate d drug administration were assessed for adult dogs with demodicosis. O f dogs with concurrent conditions (n = 15), administration of corticos teroids and endogenous hyperadrenocorticism were recognized most often (10/15). Concurrent neoplastic, infectious, parasitic or metabolic di sease was uncommon in dogs with adult-onset demodicosis.