Demodectic Mange (Demodex)

Demodectic mange is a noncontiguous skin disease that is caused by a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicle of mammals. Under normal circumstances the mite is present on the skin in small numbers and does not cause disease. However, in certain animals, the mites will multiply to an out of control population size. They have the potential to cause severe and devastating problems. The fact that most dogs have the demodex mite without incident suggests a hereditary predisposition to this disease or a connection between a dogs suppressed immune system and infection with mange.

Demodectic mange is seen in 2 forms, localized and generalized. Localized demodex is confined to a few small areas of hair loss usually involving the face and/or front feet. However, a small patch can appear on other parts of the body such as the shoulder, flank, etc. Generalized demodex can begin as a localized case or can present itself as a sudden onset. Numerous patches appear on the head, legs and trunk. These patches continuously spread developing into large areas of hair loss. The bare patches can be dry and crusty or may ooze pus or blood. A strong offensive odor is often present due to a secondary bacterial infection.

Demodectic mange is diagnosed by a skin scraping. The skin is scraped with a scalpel blade and the resulting material is examined under a microscope. Finding a large number of mites indicates demodectic mange. Localized demodex is sometimes confused with ringworm. It is very important that every dog with hair loss have a skin scraping performed. A skin scraping is simple and inexpensive and can be performed by your local veterinarian.

Treatment of demodectic mange varies with the severity of the symptoms. Localized mange is typically treated by regular bathing to clear the hair follicles, application of insecticidal ointments to the affected areas, or antibiotics. Generalized mange is a more serious disease and potentially life threatening, as unresponsive cases sometimes require euthanasia. Because a defective immune system plays an important role in this disease, some animals may not be able to recover and either die or require lifelong treatment to keep it under control. Treatment of generalized mange usually involves bathing with antibacterial shampoos, regular dipping in amitraz (Mitoban) and appropriate antibiotics. Regular follow up with your veterinarian is required since individuals may relapse even after an apparent cure.

Some newer methods of treatments include milbemycin (Interceptor), an oral heartworm preventative, given daily. It is very expensive and not approved for this use. There have been some reported improvements by using holistic treatments, either on their own or in conjunction with standard treatments. Visit http://cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/health/skinprob.htm for further information as well as contacting a holistic vet in your area.

Development of the immune system is under genetic control. Even though pups in a litter where a parent is infected may not show signs of the disease, they can still pass it on to future offspring. An affected dog usually comes from a litter containing other affected puppies. Owners of littermates should be put on the alert to watch for it. All dogs infected with Demodectic Mange, localized or generalized, should not be bred and should be neutered/spayed.

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