Canine generalized demodicosis is a common parasitic disease caused by the proliferation of Demodex mites. The introduction of isoxazoline class treatments in veterinary dermatology has resulted in apparently effective treatment of generalized demodicosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fluralaner for the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis using real-time PCR for the detection and quantification of Demodex DNA. Twenty privately owned dogs with clinical symptoms of generalized demodicosis and deep skin scrapings positive for Demodex canis mites were enrolled in the study. Following diagnosis (day 0) each dog was treated with fluralaner at the recommended commercial dose for tick and flea treatment (25–56 mg/kg) based on body weight. Clinical and mite count assessments, and hair sampling for molecular analyses were performed on days 0, 28, 56, 84 and 112. Demodex DNA was detected and quantified using real-time PCR. A single oral dose of fluralaner reduced Demodex mite counts in skin scrapings by an average of 98.9% in all dogs by day 28. No mites were recovered from skin scrapings from any treated dog by day 56, at which time the dog was considered to be clinically cured, with total hair regrowth. There were significant differences among examined dogs in qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values on days 0, 28, 56, 84 and 112. Demodex DNA levels decreased (increasing Ct values) throughout the study. Mite DNA was present on day 112, possibly from dead mites, at values significantly lower than in samples taken on days 0, 28 and 56. Based on qPCR testing of diluted samples, the Demodex mite population was reduced by approximately 1000-fold on day 112. Oral administration of fluralaner at the recommended dose to dogs with generalized demodicosis is highly effective for reducing Demodex mite populations and resolving clinical signs of generalized demodicosis. The presence of mite DNA may indicate that treatment did not kill all Demodex mites.

Background: Canine skin and ear infections are common in small-animal practice and increasingly complicated by multidrug resistance (MDR), yet data from Serbia are limited. This study aimed to describe the bacterial etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns in canine otitis externa and pyoderma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed laboratory records from the Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade (January 2017–August 2024). A total of 422 non-invasive swabs from clinically ill dogs were included (ears: n = 210; skin: n = 212). Bacterial identification used conventional methods and commercial systems, and disk-diffusion susceptibility testing followed CLSI/EUCAST guidance. Methicillin resistance in staphylococci was assessed by cefoxitin/oxacillin screening; MRSA was confirmed by PCR and PBP2a detection. Resistance trends were compared between 2017–2020 and 2021–2024. Results: The leading pathogens were Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (ears 48.1%; skin 79.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ears 29.1%; skin 7.6%). Staphylococci showed high resistance to macrolides, clindamycin, tetracycline, and first-line β-lactams (amoxicillin–clavulanate, cephalexin), with the highest susceptibilities to amikacin, florfenicol, and rifampicin. P. aeruginosa remained most susceptible to amikacin, polymyxin B, and imipenem. Between the two periods, S. pseudintermedius resistance increased to amikacin, fusidic acid, and cephalexin, while resistance to florfenicol decreased. P. aeruginosa resistance to imipenem increased. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) was 27.4% (74/270). MDR S. pseudintermedius and MDR P. aeruginosa were identified in 38.5% and 53.3% of isolates, respectively. One isolate of each species was resistant to all tested drugs. Conclusions: These findings confirm high levels of antimicrobial resistance in major canine skin and ear pathogens and emphasize the need for susceptibility-based therapy, rational antimicrobial use, and ongoing surveillance in small-animal practice.

A four-year-old intact male Labrador retriever was presented with acute onset of ulcerative lesions around both eyes, on the mucocutaneous junctions around the muzzle and nares, and on the lateral aspects of paw pads. All lesions were symmetrical and well demarcated. The rest of ocular and systemic examination was unremarkable. The onset of lesions was acute and coincided with an episode of intense hunting in switchgrass. Similar lesions were present in another dog used in the same hunting trip. The clinical presentation was suggestive of a possible immune-mediated skin disease. However, the patient responded to systemic antibiotic treatment with full recovery without recurrence upon cessation of therapy. Traumatic origin should be included into differential diagnosis of mucocutaneous ulcerative lesions presenting as a possible immune-mediated skin disease.

The aim was to investigate the incidence, clinical presentation, and potential risk factors for suspected dorzolamide-induced blepharitis (DIB), in dogs diagnosed with glaucoma or hereditary glaucoma predisposition. A retrospective review was conducted using clinical records of 286 dogs with primary or secondary glaucoma, or a hereditary predisposition to glaucoma (goniodysgenesis), that received dorzolamide eye drops between October 1, 2012, and January 1, 2020. Cases of suspected DI B were identified based on resolution of blepharitis following drug withdrawal. Statistical analysis, including odds ratio calculations, was performed to assess the potential risk factors. Eighteen dogs (6.2%) developed DIB after dorzolamide use. The median time before the development of DI B was 60 days. A significant association was identified between dogs with a history of seasonal skin allergies and the development of blepharitis (odds ratio: 12.4, 95% CI: 4.04–35.3, p < 0.001). However, no significant association was found with prior intraocular surgery ( p = 0.26) or dry eye disease ( p = 0.19). Clinical symptoms resolved within a median of 60 days after discontinuing dorzolamide, and most dogs were successfully switched to brinzolamide without recurrence of symptoms. Seasonal allergies seem to be a significant risk factor for development of DI B. Dorzolamide is one of the most frequently used drugs for treatment of glaucoma, with relatively high prevalence of suspected delayed hypersensitivity reaction (blepharitis). Brinzolamide may be the safer option for the treatment of glaucoma in dogs.

This article describes the repair of a traumatic lesion on the upper lip of a 6 – year – old male mixed – breed dog using a full – thickness buccal advancement flap. The intact male was presented for examination by a rescue organization. The clinical assessment revealed that the dog was in good condition, though slightly dehydrated, with a temperature within normal limits and a good appetite. A significant defect on the upper right lip was identified, accompanied by discharge. Comprehensive health evaluations, including blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, 4D testing, and head X – rays, indicated that the dog was otherwise healthy, without any concurrent diseases. Wound debridement and tooth extraction were performed, followed by wound reconstruction using a full – thickness buccal advancement flap. Post – surgery, the dog underwent polarized light therapy twice daily for 10 minutes over a 10 – day period to speed up the wound healing process. In conclusion, the full – thickness buccal advancement flap procedure resulted in favorable functional and cosmetic outcomes. The dog resumed normal food and water intake, exhibiting only mild facial asymmetry during the 6 – month follow – up, with no other observed difficulties.