Juvenile generalized demodicosis (JGD) is a common condition in dogs, and is associated with genetic and immunological factors. It is not a contagious or zoonotic disease, however, it is a serious disease, being potentially dangerous to affected animal´s lives. JGD affects most breeds of dog, though the predisposition of certain breeds has been noted. In this study, we analyzed 499 records of the Small Animal Hospital (Faculty of Veterinarian Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina) covering the period 1998–2006. In all cases, the dogs tested were primarily considered have had some type of dermatological disease, and among them 28 cases were eventually diagnosed as demodectic mange. Twenty-eight out of 499 cases found juvenile generalized demodicosis. Coincident with the data reported by other research, this study evidenced that certain breeds, such as Boxer, German Shepherd and mixed breed dogs had a higher prevalence of JGD. These results support the hypothesis that certain breeds of dogs have a greater predisposition to JGD.

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The interdigital skin of alpacas is affected by many inflammatory conditions, such as bacterial infections, ectoparasitisms, contact dermatitis, and zinc-responsive dermatosis. Cytology is a rapid, inexpensive, and practical method of acquiring important diagnostic and therapeutic information on skin diseases. However, to date there is no published information concerning the cytological findings in normal interdigital skin from alpacas. Hence, we performed cytological evaluation of the interdigital skin on a front and hind foot of 30 healthy alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Yeasts, Gram-positive cocci and rods, and Gram-negative rods occur regularly, and there is no difference in counts of these cells between the front and rear feet. The presence of inflammatory cells or large numbers of epithelial cells would be abnormal.

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A 3-month-old female Russian Blue received a second triple vaccine at 87 days of age. After 17 days, erosion and ulcer developed on the ear pinna, head, foot-pad and periungual, paronychia with a caseous exudate was also present. Histopathological examination showed subcorneal pustules containing acanthocytes. These findings were suggestive of pemphigus foliaceus. The eruption developed, and the cat was treated with prednisolone for 121 days. No recurrence has been observed for 2 years since the completion of treatment. Drug-induced pemphigus foliaceus due to the feline triple vaccine was suspected.

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