Effects of amitraz plus Parapoxvirus ovis on EGF, VEGF, IGF-1 and IGF-2 in canine generalized demodicosis

Objective. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of treatment with amitraz plus- Parapoxvirus ovis (IPPVO) on serum concentrations and skin expressions of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and -2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in dogs suffering from generalised demodicosis (GD). Materials and Methods. GD affected dogs were injected 1 ml IPPVO on days 0, 2 and 9 subcutaneously in addition to amitraz (0.025%) treatment twice weekly for 80 days. IGF-1, IGF-2, EGF and VEGF concentrations in blood serum were measured by canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. EGF, VEGF, IGF-1, and IGF-2 expressions in skin biopsy specimens were examined immunohistochemically. Results. After the treatment of the dogs with amitraz plus-IPPVO in GD, we demonstrated a significant reduction in both circulating concentrations and skin expressions of EGF, VEGF, IGF-1, and IGF-2, which have a role in preserving skin integrity and wound healing. Conclusions. Results of this study suggest that IGF-1, IGF-2 EGF, and VEGF have a crucial role in the progression of GD in dogs. It is believed that the findings from this study will contribute to the development of new strategies for the treatment of GD, which is an important health problem for dogs.