Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 1/4/2008

Question
Hi Dr. Gothelf.  Thank you for reading this.  My australian shepherd, age 2, had some (3) rashes on her face.  I took her to my vet and she was diagnosed with demodex.  My vet put her on vermectin--1.2 cc daily for 8 weeks.  I have since read that aussies can have a toxic reaction to ivermectin.  I am going to have her tested to see if she has that gene but that will take about 2-3 weeks.  I don't know what to do.  I don't see many other cures for demodex other than a dip which would be dangerous on her face.  Any advice.  I'm also disappointed that my vet didn't mention this to me and I'm thinking of changing vet.  Thank you very much.
Irene

Answer
We see this reaction more in Collies and Shelties, but it has been infrequently reported in Aussies.  You can use Interceptor Heartworm medication for 30 days orally instead of the ivermectin.  There is a new topical flea medication called PROMERIS that has just come out that may have good benefit in demodex.