Question

Which cigar-shaped mite is commonly found within the hair follicles of dogs, as well as some cats, but does not pose a problem unless the animal's immune system is compromised?

1) Sarcoptes scabiei
2) Demodex canis
3) Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
4) Otodectes cynotis

Answer 1

Demodex canis is the cigar-shaped mite found within the hair follicles of dogs and sometimes cats, which typically does not pose a problem unless the animal's immune system is compromised.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cigar-shaped mite commonly found within the hair follicles of dogs and sometimes cats is Demodex canis. This mite usually does not cause problems unless the animal's immune system is compromised. In contrast to other parasites such as Sarcoptes scabiei, which causes scabies, and Otodectes cynotis, which is associated with ear infections, Demodex canis is part of the normal fauna of a dog's skin. When an animal has a weakened immune system, an overgrowth of these mites can result in a condition known as demodicosis or demodectic mange. However, it's important to note that mites like Demodex are different from parasites like hookworms or Schistosoma, which have more complex life cycles and can cause different types of infections.