CANINE DEMODICOSIS 

Canine demodicosis, commonly called "red mange", is a skin disease which affects dogs. It occurs in all breeds, ages and both sexes. The disease can be mild with spontaneous recovery to severe, even resulting in death in rare cases.

Demodicosis is caused by the hair follicle mite, Demodex canis. The mite is transmitted to puppies from the mother during the first few days of life. All dogs, even normal healthy ones have small numbers of these mites in their skin. In some animals the mites begin to reproduce rapidly and this extreme increase in the number of mites results in canine demodicosis. One or multiple dogs in a litter may be affected when they are young or when they are older. Affected animals should not be bred.

Because the animal is first exposed while nursing, the face and forelimbs are the parts of the animal's body which are generally first affected. There is often loss of hair, reddening of the skin, and crusts on the skin. The amount of itching is variable. A secondary bacterial infection, evidenced by pustules, may occur.

Diagnosis of this disease is made by viewing skin scrapings from the affected areas under a microscope. Treatment of this disease depends upon the severity. Animals with generalized demodicosis require intensive treatment. Whole body clippings may be required so that the medication can get into the hair follicles. A treatment with a special dip (Mitaban) is then prescribed. The dip is repeated every 7-10 days. Although the dog may respond well to the dip and look normal, dipping must be continued until negative skin scrapings are found on two separate visits. Even with treatment some dogs can not be cured and the condition may recur. For those dogs that can not be cured regular treatment usually controls the condition.

The dipping may have side effects. Sleepiness and itching is common for 24 hours after the dip. Uncommon side effects include decreased body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excitability, staggering, itching, or other personality changes. If any of these side effects occur you should contact our office.

It is important in all cases to treat any secondary problems such as bacterial infection of the skin, intestinal worms or heartworm disease. Any stress the animal may experience should be reduced, this includes spaying and neutering procedures.