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Cause
Nearly all dogs acquire mange mites from their mother during the first few days of life. These mites are considered normal skin fauna when present in small numbers.
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Transmission
Demodectic mange is not
contagious to other animals or humans. Demodex mites are transmitted to puppies
from their mother during the first few days of life. Since the mite is found on
virtually all dogs, exposure of a normal dog to one with demodectic mange is
not dangerous.
Demodectic mange has two forms;
- Localized Demodectic Mange
- Generalized Demodectic Mange
Localized Demodectic Mange
This disease occurs in dogs
under 1 year of age. The appearance of the skin is similar to that of ringworm.
The principal sign is thinning hair around the eyelids, lips, and corners of
the mouth, and occasionally on the trunk, the legs, and the feet. The thinning
progresses to patches of ragged hair loss about 1 inch in diameter. In some
cases the skin becomes red, scaly, and infected.
Generalized Demodectic Mange
Dogs with the generalized
disease develop patches of hair loss on the head, legs, and trunk. The hair
follicles become plugged with mites and skin scales. The skin breaks down to
form sores, crusts, and draining tracts, presenting a most disabling problem.
Some cases are a continuation of localized mange; others develop spontaneously
in older dogs.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by taking
multiple skin scrapings and looking for the mites. Demodectic mites are usually
easy to find. Under the microscope, this mite is shaped like a cigar with eight
legs.
- Localized Demodectic Mange can be treated with a topical ointment containing either benzoyl peroxide gel, or a mild topical preparation used to treat ear mites. It can be massaged into affected areas once a day.
- Generalized demodectic mange must be treated under close veterinary supervision. It involves the use of medicated shampoos and dips to remove surface scales and kill mites. Shave or clip hair from all affected areas to facilitate access to the skin.
- The treatment protocol involves first bathing the dog with a medicated benzoyl peroxide shampoo to remove skin scales. Allow the shampoo to remain on the dog for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Completely dry the dog.
- Amitraz currently is the only miticide which is effective in treating demodectic mange in dogs.
- Be sure to treat the dog in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber or plastic gloves to keep the chemical off your skin.
- Sponge on the dip over a 10-minute period, allowing the dog’s feet to soak in the rinse. Allow the dip to dry on the dog.
- Repeat every two weeks, or as directed by your veterinarian.
- Secondary skin infections should be treated with antibiotics,
- Antihistamines can be used to control severe itching.
Side effects of Amitraz;
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Staggering gait
Puppies are more susceptible
than adults to these effects. If such a reaction occurs, immediately remove the
miticide by thoroughly rinsing the coat and skin.
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