Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite called Demodex
canis. All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess this mite as mites
are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of
life. (After the pup is older it is unable to pick up demodex mites. Puppies
raised by hand, do not ever get demodex mites.) For some reason, conditions
change in certain dogs to allow demodex mites to gain the upper hand; the mites
proliferate and can cause serious skin disease.
Mites are not transmitted to people or other dogs except from mother dog to pup as described. Demodectic mange (unlike sarcoptic mange) is not contagious.
Mites live inside hair follicles -- a difficult
place for miticides (chemicals that kill mites) to reach.
Mites are a normal residents of dog skin; it is only in some individual dogs
that mites cause problems.
Demodicosis -- The Disease Itself
Demodectic mange, also called demodicosis, has three forms:
Form #1: Localized
Usually a red, scaly, well-circumscribed lesion on the face or forelegs is present.
It generally goes away on its own. Goodwinol ointment, an insecticide, may be
used daily to control localized demodicosis. Hair regrowth should be evident
after about a month of treatment; however, some localized cases appear "destined"
to become generalized and no treatment will prevent this from occurring.
When ointment is used, rubbing the medication on the area may break off the weaker hairs at the margin of the lesion. The lesion may thus appear to get larger at first. Antibacterial gels are also used against localized demodicosis and associated skin infections. Often it is best not to treat this condition and to simply allow it to resolve on its own.
Enlarged lymph nodes are a bad sign -- often foretelling generalized mange.
Form #2: Generalized
The entire dog is affected with patchy fur, skin infections, bald,
scaly skin.
Most generalized demodicosis starts as localized
demodicosis.
Adult Onset-- Most demodicosis occurs in young dogs. An older dog should not
get deodicosis unless it has an underlying problem with its immune system, possibly
even cancer. A veterinarian should be consulted regarding possible primary diseases.
Juvenile Onset -- 30% to 50% of dogs under age 1 year recover spontaneously from generalized demodicosis without any form of treatment. Usually treatment is recommended, though, to facilitate recovery.
It is very important that dogs with a history of generalized demodectic mange not be bred as there is a hereditary component to the development of the disease.
Form #3: Demodectic Pododermatitis
This condition represents demodectic mange confined to the paws. Bacterial
infectious usually accompany this condition. Often as generalized demodicosis
is treated, the foot is the last stronghold of the mite. Old English Sheepdogs
and Shar-peis tend to get severe forms of this condition. The infection can
be so deep that biopsy is needed to find the mites and make the diagnosis.
Godsquid
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