26/02/2026
Trichodectes canis Infestation in a Dog
Dr. Smith described in a case report published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association an 11-year-old dog that was referred to a veterinary dermatologist because of progressive pruritus lasting eight months. The underlying cause was identified as an infestation with Trichodectes canis.
This case report serves as an important reminder that even relatively uncommon parasites such as T. canis (today, I would consider T. canis a rare canine ectoparasite in Europe) must be ruled out before initiating antipruritic therapy with diphenhydramine, oclacitinib, lokivetmab, or prednisone. Not all cases of canine pruritus are allergy-related.
The author also emphasized that low-dose fluralaner treatment was used.
When treating ectoparasites, the duration of the parasite’s life cycle must be considered (approximately 30–40 days for T. canis). Larvae hatch from eggs after 1–2 weeks. In this case, eggs were still visible on the hair shafts at the first recheck examination two weeks after treatment initiation. However, at the second recheck four weeks after treatment initiation, no eggs or parasites were detected. A 30-day course of fluralaner was sufficient to eliminate the infestation.
It should also be noted that T. canis serves as an intermediate host for Dipylidium caninum. Therefore, concomitant treatment for intestinal parasites should be considered in affected dogs.
Wenn Sie mehr über Parasitäre erkrankungen bei Hunden und Katzen erfahren möchten, sprechen Sie uns gerne bei der nächsten Gesundheitskontrolle an. Wir beraten Sie gerne.
