Hope for the Itchy, Mangy Dog. –by Elizabeth F. Baird, DVM, CVPP, CCRT, cVM
Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. There are two different mange mites that cause skin disease in the dog. One lives just under the surface of the skin (Scabies) and the other resides deep in the hair follicles (Demodex). It is important not to confuse the two as they have different causes, treatments and prognoses. WHAT CAUSES DEMODECTIC MANGE? Demodectic mange, sometimes referred to as Demodex or “red mange” is the most
should not be bred nor should the parents of affected dogs be bred again. It is recommended that affected animals be spayed/neutered. WHAT DOES DEMODECTIC MANGE DO TO THE DOG OR
PUPPY? Most dogs with demodectic mange lose patches of hair (alopecia), but the degree of itchiness may vary anywhere from little to fairly severe. The hair loss often begins on the face, most noticeably around the eyes. When the hair loss is limited in loca- tion and mild, it is called localized demodectic mange.
Hank came to the shelter with a severe case of mange. His skin was cracked, raw and bleeding. The second photo is after a few weeks of treatment. He continued his treatment in foster care. The third photo is Hank after several months. And yes, Hank was adopted. Photographs by
PortraitsOfAnAnimalShelter.com
common type of mange in dogs. It is caused by the demodectic mange mite, a parasite which lives in the hair follicles. All dogs (and many humans) have a few of these mites on their skin. As long as there are only a few and the immune system is functioning well, these mites cause no harm. Demodectic mange most often occurs when a dog has an immature immune system, allowing the mites to proliferate rapidly. Consequently, this disease occurs primarily in dogs less than one year of age. In most cases, as the dog matures, the immune system also matures, allowing a clearing of the exces- sive number of mites. Adult dogs that acquire this disease general- ly have defective immune responses due to one of a variety of dis- eases or medications that suppress the immune system. DOES THIS MEANTHAT DEMODECTIC MANGE IS NOT CON-
TAGIOUS?This form of mange is not contagious since the mite is normally found on virtually all dogs. The exposure of a normal dog (or person) to one with demodectic mange is not dangerous. Important to note: Sarcoptic mange, also called scabies in humans, is contagious. We do not carry these around unless we are exposed to another pet or person who has them. WHY DOESN’T THE IMMUNE SYSTEM MATURE READILY IN
SOME DOGS? Development of the immune system (and the ability to prevent demodex overgrowth) is under genetic control. The dis- ease is due to an inherited genetic weakness, therefore affected dogs
80 THE NEW BARKER
If the disease spreads to many areas of the skin, it becomes gener- alized demodectic mange. The generalized form is most com- monly seen in young, purebred puppies, although dogs of any age and breed can be affected. In this form, skin infections are very common and may become quite severe, sometimes even life threatening. It is imperative that all skin infections be treated aggressively with the appropriate antibiotics. The demodex itself is a parasite and causes physical stress on
the animal, so it is critical to provide a high-quality diet, stay cur- rent with immunizations and prevent other stressors such as fleas, ticks and intestinal worms. Anti-oxidant supplements may help support the immune system also. HOW IS DEMODECTIC MANGE TREATED? The localized
form (a few small lesions) may be treated with a topical ointment for approximately four to six weeks. The dog is monitored for pro- gression of the lesions to the generalized form, which does occur in some
patients.The generalized form requires much more aggressive treatment. There are multiple treatment options for demodex, only one of which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of
demodex (Mitaban® Dip). NexGard®, Bravecto® and Simparica® are a group of oral parasite control medications (isoxazolines) that have recently been found to have excellent activity against the Demodex mite.
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