Posted on March 17, 2010 by: WayCoolDogs

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Demodectic dog mange is caused by a tiny spider-mite called the  Demodex canis which lives deep inside the dog’s hair follicles. They are  small enough to not be seen without a microscope and can get 2-3mm below the skin surface of the follicles. Vet testings may have to obtain skin biopsies for a proper mange diagnosis. Unlike Sarcoptic mange (scabies), Demodectic dog mange is not contagious and does not itch in the beginning stages, occurring more often in dogs under 18-months of age even though adult dogs are known to get it.

Demodex mange mite

Not an uncommon thing, there are very few mother dogs who do not pass these little microscopic-sized mange mites to their puppies during the first couple days after birth. Orphan puppies who are raised by hand do not get Demodectic mange.

When in small numbers, Demodex canis mites are considered “normal skin fauna” until their numbers get out of control. This is usually because the animal’s abnormal immature immune system allows it to happen, lowering the dog’s immunity. Puppies from three to 12 months of age can easily get Demodectic dog mange if they are not in good health.

Symptoms of Demodectic dog mange

There are two different types of Demodectic dog mange: (1) localized demodectic mange and (2) generalized demodectic mange.

• Localized Demodectic Dog Mange–with its primary symptom being thinning of hair around the eyelids, lips and corners of the dog’s mouth, Demodectic mange can occasionally be seen on the dog’s legs and feet. Kinda’ like patches of moth-eaten hair loss approximately one-inch in diameter, the skin will be red, scaly and infected over time. This type of dog mange location can heal quickly in about six to eight weeks, yet reoccur on-and-off for several months. Ten percent of localized Demodectic dog mange cases will spread to the larger generalized form. VET TREATMENTS: OxyDex orPyoben are topical ointments which contain benzoyl peroxide gel, or an ear mite treatment rubbed into the affected area twice a day rubbing in the direction of the hair.
• Generalized Demodectic Dog Mange–involving larger areas  of hair loss on the head, legs and trunk, this is the stage when itching begins to occur. Generalized Demodectic dog mange is when the skin breaks down to form sores, crusts with draining, and with hair follicles becoming plugged with skin scales and the Demodex canis mite.

Puppies at birth normally will have the Demodex canis mites from their mother.

SPECIALIZED TREATMENT FOR GENERALIZED DEMODECTIC DOG MANGE:

1. The very first step in treating Demodectic dog mange is to shampoo with Paxcutol or Etiderm (follicular flushers) to open the roots of the plugged hair follicles.  When done, dry the dog completely until his fur is not wet to touch.
2. The second step is to wash the dog with something like Aludex shampoo…an anti-Demodex shampoo. Make sure it is diluted according to directions on the container before scrubbing thoroughly onto the dog’s entire skin area. (Aludex contains the insecticide Amitraz. The product can have side effects on the dog and you if not used properly. Most dogs will appear sleepy for a few hours after the bath. This is a dangerous shampoo if directions are not followed correctly, but is better than the dog being eaten alive, dying or suffering.)
3. This two step process is to be repeated every seven days, continuing for  weeks to months. The vet will monitor the stage of the mites and the duration of the treatment.
4. Giving the affected dog additional Vitamin E (tablets or capsules) will help  stimulate the immune system. Natural foods that can be fed to the dog that contain Vitamin E are: vegetable oils, dark green leafy vegetables, organ meats like heart and liver, seafood, eggs and avocado. Vitamin E dosages are 100IU per 20 pounds of dog weight.
5. If secondary infections have occurred because of the severity of the mange, antibiotics are usually given.

NOTES:

• Sometimes the disease can occur as a result of treatment of the dog with immuno-suppressant drugs including corticosteroids.

• Research is showing that certain bloodlines are more susceptible to Demodectic dog mange over others. Even though most breeds can become affected,  the Bull Terrier breeds seem to make up a large proportion of the dogs which are seen with clinical Demodex.

• Dogs who have had this condition and have recovered should never be bred due to it being an inherited immune susceptibility, carrying down to the puppies and future generations.

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