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Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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Featured Animal Case Report 

A Case of Canine Nasal Mites in a Golden Retriever, June 2008

Case Details. In June 2008, a 10 year old Golden Retriever was presented to Dr Eric Weigand of Claremont Veterinary Hospital for intermittent nose bleeds. The owner of the dog said it was unlikely anything had become caught up the nose, such as grass awns (a.k.a foxtails).
Initially a bleeding nasal tumor or blood clotting disorder were suspected as possible causes of the nose problem because the dog was known to have liver cancer. However, blood clotting tests were normal.
The dog was anesthetized for rhinoscopy (nasal scoping). Several canine nasal mites were seen walking about inside the lining of the nasal passages deep inside the nose. After further evaluation of the dog, it was determined that it was safe to administer weekly injections of ivermectin. The nosebleeds resolved within 48 hours of the first treatment. The dog later succumbed to the previously diagnosed liver cancer.
 
Disease
Overview. Canine nasal mites (species name Pneumonyssoides caninum) are a type of mite that lives in the nasal passages of dogs. It is found in dogs worldwide. The lifecycle of canine nasal mites are not completely understood, but it is presumed the mites can be transmitted from dog-to-dog.
Symptoms of canine nasal mite infestation in dogs may include nasal discharge, itchiness of the face, sneezing, reverse sneezing, and nose bleeds. The only way to be certain a dog has nasal mites is to perform a nasal scoping or a deep nasal flushing. Certain antiparasitic medications can successfully treat the infection.

Local Data. None. It is unknown how common nasal mites are in dogs because individual cases are not reportable. Studies in Norway and Sweden found that between 7-20% of dogs were infected.

Human Health Risk. This mite is not considered contagious to people.

Acknowledgements. Veterinary Public Health greatly appreciates Dr. Weigand’s reporting of this case and his sharing of these images.

(Posted 10/1/08)

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SHORT VIDEO OF NASAL MITES (5.6 MB, .avi file)

 

 

 

References
1. The Merck Veterinary Manual Online. Canine Nasal Mites. Available at this link (initially accessed 9/25/08).
2. Gunnarsson LK et al (2001). Prevalence of Pneumonyssoides caninum infection in dogs in Sweden. Jour Amer Anim Hosp Assoc 37(4):331-337.
3. Bredal WP. (1998). The prevalence of nasal mite (Pneumonyssoides caninum) infection in Norwegian dogs. Vet Parasit. 76:233-237.
 

 

 
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