Evaluation of Ascorbic Acid in Combination of Ivermectin in Augmentation the Recovery from Juvenile Generalized Demodicosis in Dogs: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

The clinical form of canine juvenile generalized demodicosis is usually related genetically with immune deficiency. In this regard, in the current study we have evaluated the impact of immunostimulant agent as ascorbic acid (AA) on the rapid recovery of dogs naturally affected by generalized demodicosis. To achieve this purpose, twenty- eight German Shepherd male dogs were used in this study and divided randomly into two groups, then received daily oral dose of ivermectin (IVR) 1% (0.5 mg kg^-1) alone and IVR 1% in combination with AA (500 mg per animal, twice daily) for two months, respectively. Total mite numbers, egg counts, eosinophil counts and skin lesion score were used for assessment the treatment efficacy after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days subsequent to the initial treatment. Seventeen dogs (IVR (n = 8), and IVR + AA (n = 9)) completed the full length of experiment (4- months) as 11 dogs were withdrawn due to various causes. Out of 17 dogs completing the 4 months trial, two dogs treated with IVR + AA combination therapy achieved the parasitological cure. The results revealed rapid and marked reduction in the total mite numbers and eosinophil counts treated with combination therapy in comparison with those administrated ivermectin alone. These findings exhibited the potential anti-Demodex effect of ivermectin when administrated in combination with immunostimulant agent and highlight the impact of an inexpensive, available and immunomodulatory agent as ascorbic acid in treatment of canine juvenile generalized demodicosis.