Chronic Pododemodicosis in a Great Dane

A 4 year old Great Dane was presented to the Small Animal Clinic with a history of chronic swelling of all the paws. This animal had been treated for over 3 months but the condition was progressively worsening. Clinical examination revealed all vital parameters were within normal ranges. There was gross swelling of all the paws, the skin was erythematous, hyperpigmented and hyperkeratotic. There was also diffuse purulent discharge from parts of the paws. Skin scrapings were positive for Demodectic mange. Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sensitive to Gentamicin and Norfloxacin were isolated from swabs taken for culture and sensitivity. This report describes the case and the management of pododermatitis due to Demodicosis complicated with bacterial infection and emphasizes on the need for definitive diagnosis of such cases before any treatment is instituted. Keywords -Pododermatitis, demodicosis , management