Nasal mites in dogs

Pneumonyssoides caninum is a small, white mite approximately 1 mm in size. Most infestations are clinically silent, but some dogs may have moderate-to-severe clinical signs. A common clinical feature of nasal mites in dogs is sneezing, which is often violent. Head shaking, pawing at the nose, reverse sneezing, chronic nasal discharge, and epistaxis can also occur. These signs are similar to those caused by nasal foreign bodies.

The diagnosis is made by visualizing the mites during rhinoscopy or by retrograde nasal flushing. The nasal mites can be easily overlooked in the retrieved saline solution; they should be specifically searched for with slight magnification or by placing dark material behind the specimen for contrast. Further, the mites are often located in the frontal sinuses and caudal nasal cavity. The greatest success in identifying nasal mites in dogs is by flushing the nasal cavities with halothane in oxygen. The anesthetic mixture causes the mites to migrate to the caudal nasopharynx where the mites are visualized using an endoscope.

Nasal Mites Treatment and Prognosis

Milbemycin oxime (0.5 to 1mg/kg, orally, every 7 to 10 days for three treatments) has been used successfully for treating nasal mites. Ivermectin has also been used for treatment but is not safe for certain breeds. Any dog in direct contact with the affected animal should also be treated. The prognosis for dogs with nasal mites is excellent.

We recommend:
Newton Homeopathics Care for Dogs and Cats