The Use of Amitraz (N1‐(2,4‐dimethylphenyl) N‐[([(2,4‐dimethylphenyl)imino)‐methyl]‐n‐methylmethanimidamide) in Demodecosis in Dogs

Abstract

Amitraz topically applied as an 0.025 or 0.05% aqueous suspension once or twice weekly for up to 8 weeks cured 3 cases of generalised squamopapular to pustular demodectic mange and effectively controlled the condition in a fourth dog. Three of these dogs were Dobermans in which the disease was refractory to standard therapy with ronnel. A single wash in 0.025% amitraz suspension was sufficient to cure each of 5 dogs affected with localized demodecosis within 2 to 4 weeks. At these dose levels the drug is non toxic and non irritant to skin and mucous membranes. Recommendations for the use of amitraz include a thorough prewash of the entire skin surface with soap and water followed by application of the drug suspension with vigorous scrubbing, the compound then being allowed to dry on the animal's skin. The availability of amitraz therapy appears to provide a favourable prognosis for the control of severe long standing mange in the dog.

Treatment protocols for demodicosis: an evidence‐based review

“…Recommended treatment protocols vary from 0.025% amitraz used every 2 weeks in the USA 75,76 to 0.05% weekly in Germany and Australia. 77,78 A report from France recommended 0.1% amitraz once weekly. 79 Higher concentrations and/or frequencies seem to be associated with a higher success rate.…”

“…Combining the results of studies reporting the efficacy of amitraz rinses as therapy for canine generalized demodicosis, 693 dogs, of which 72 were reported as adult-onset patients were treated. 35,38,48,49,[75][76][77][78][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90] The studies used 0.025 -0.06% amitraz every 7 -14 days. Reported treatment success varied between 0 and 100% ( Table 2).…”

“…If a patient does not respond to any given treatment, it is recommended to switch to another therapeutic option. Of 124 dogs reported to have failed their first of various treatment options, 54,73,77,81,82,84,104,119,127 76 patients (61%) went into remission with a change of therapy. Similarly, of 40 dogs that relapsed after initial remission, 75,76,81,82 28 patients (70%) went into remission after a repeat treatment with the same or another medication.…”

“…© 2004 European Society of Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Dermatology, 15,[75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89] …”

Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of the acaricide amitraz

“…is a formamidine compound used at concentrations of 0.025-0.05% for the treatment of sarcoptic and demodectic mange in dogs. (Folz et al, 1978;Farmer & Seawright, 1980;Muller, 1983;Folz, 1983;Folz et al, 1984; Kwochka et al, 1985).…”