Demodex Mange in DogsDemodicosis (demodectic mange, follicular mange, red mange) is a skin condition caused by proliferation and infestation of Demodex canis mites within the hair follicles. The infestation often leads to bacterial folliculitis (skin infection) and may also be associated with furunculous (deep skin infection with pustules). Although the mite is present in the normal skin of dogs and cats, this condition develops when an increased number of mites overwhelm the immune system. The initial proliferation of mites may be due to a genetic or immunological disorder.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Most commonly alopecia ( hair loss)
- Crusting
Scaling
Pustules (a skin elevation filled with pus)
- Comedone (blackhead formation)
- Swelling and draining tracts as associated with furunculous (skin infections)
Clinical Features:
Localized Demodicosis. A patch of skin develops mild redness and partial loss of hair. Itching may be present and the area may be covered with fine silvery scales. The most common sites are the face, forelegs and less frequently on the trunk. Most cases appear at 3 to 6 months of age.
Generalized Demodicosis. This is one of the most severe canine skin diseases and can widespread from the onset, or develop from poorly defined areas and worsen with time. Secondary skin infections complicate the mange lesions with multiple pustules and heavy crusting and scaling.
Diagnosis:
Skin scrapings and examination under the microscope for the mites.
Breed
Predisposition:
- Most common in
purebred dogs
- Breeds at highest
risk: Shar Pei, West Highland White
terrier, Scottish terrier, English
bulldog, Boston terrier, Great Dane,
Weimaraner, Airedale terrier,
Alaskan Malamute, and Afghan hound.
Predisposing
Factors:
- Age, short hair,
poor nutrition, estrus, parturition,
stress, endoparasites (internal
parasites), debilitating diseases.
- Hereditary
predisposition
Treatment: Involves
the use of a miticide, either
topically or orally, to kill the
mites.
- Topical
Treatments:
Products include Mitaban (Rx), Goodwinol
Ointment, Lime Sulfur
dips and Preventic Collar.
- Oral Treatments: Ivermectin
- an injectable medication that is
given orally or by SQ injection as
an off-label use as directed by your
veterinarian. Ivermectin
should not be given to Collies,
Shetland sheepdogs (shelties) and
other herding dogs and their
crosses.
Any
secondary infection requires
antibiotic therapy.
- Deep
infections often have gram-negative
bacteria in addition to Staphylococcus
spp.
- Deep
infections require long-term
systematic antibiotic therapy from
five to six weeks up to several
months.
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