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DEMODECTIC MANGE (Red Mange, Demodicosis)

Demodectic Mange is a non-contagious skin disease caused by a tiny parasite that lives in the hair follicles and skin glands of dogs.  All puppies are infected with mites from contact with the skin of their mother while nursing.  The mites are present in the skin of many healthy dogs and do not cause disease.  Because young dogs usually have a poor immune system, Demodectic mange occurs primarily in dogs younger than 2 years of age.  Adult-onset Demodicosis is often associated with systemic disease or other problem (for example, geriatric decline) causing suppression of the immune system. 

Demodectic mange is usually seen in two forms:

  • Localized mange may involve only 1-2 small areas of skin, usually involving the face or the feet, and is relatively easy to treat.

  • Generalized mange is often severe, involving large areas of the body, and treatment can take longer.  Because a defect in the immune system plays a part in this disease, some dogs do not recover and may need periodic treatments for life.

Because of damage done to the hair follicles and skin, many dogs also have  a secondary bacterial skin infection.  The skin may become dry, crusty, brittle, and ooze serum, blood, or pus.  A strong, offensive skin odor may be present.  

Demodicosis also can occur as a chronic foot infection in mature dogs.

A hereditary predisposition is suggested.  Moderately to severely infected dogs should be spayed to prevent passing the disease on to their offspring.  Dogs should also be spayed to reduce the stress of the estrus (“heat”) cycle which may cause acute flare-ups of this disease.

Recovery rate is about 80 to 85 % for complete cure.  Between 10 and 15 % of dogs may need extended treatment or an alternative treatment.  Roughly 5 % of dogs do not respond to treatment and will not recover or can only be “controlled” with periodic therapy.

TREATMENT:

Medications will be individualized to your pet’s particular stage of disease and clinical signs present.  All medication and treatments must be given as directed and on schedule.  Please call the doctor if you cannot complete any treatments or doubt the adequacy of your treatment.

( )  Clip hair as short as possible for more effective skin treatment.

( )  Give antibiotics as directed.

( )  Apply ointment to affected areas of skin ____ times daily until complete hair regrowth has occurred.

Should more areas become affected during the treatment, consult with the doctor.  Be sure not to get any ointment in the eyes.

( )  Give ______mg of Benadryl ______ times daily as needed for increased itching.  This may cause sedation  or increased excitability.  It is very important that no corticosteroids be used in conjunction with this disease.

( )  Feed a high-quality, well-balanced diet.  We recommend ______________________.

( )  Bathe in _______________shampoo once every ________days/weeks.

Thoroughly scrub all areas.  Use a protective eye ointment to prevent irritation to the eyes. Thoroughly rinse and towel dry.

( )  Apply Mitaban dip once every _______days/weeks.

Wear protective gloves.  Apply eye lubricant to the eyes for protection from dip.

Mix ____cc of mitaban in ____gallon of tepid water.  (A used milk gallon container makes a good measuring tool.)  With the bathtub stoppered, thoroughly drench the entire body for 10 to 15 minutes, paying particular attention to affected areas.  Use of a cup and sponge will aid in application of the dip.  

Do not get dip into the eyes.  Should you notice reddening, watering, or sqinting of the eyes, bring your pet in immediately.

Do not towel dry or rinse off.  Let drip dry. 

Absolutely no bathing in between dips.  For best results, the medicated dip needs to stay on the body the entire time.  Do not let the pet get wet.

( )  Recheck in ____weeks.

( )  Return every ____ weeks for an _________ injection.

( )  Other:

Important points to consider:

Because the mites live in the hair follicles, when they die they will cause an intense inflammatory reaction, causing more hair to fall out.  Because of this, expect your pet to look worse after the first 1-2 treatments.  This is an indication that the treatment is working. 

The absolute minimum number of dips is four, but depending upon the severity of your pet’s condition, additional dips may be necessary (6-12 dips).  To ensure complete recovery, you must dip your pet once every 10-14 days for 1-2 dips past complete hair regrowth or upon achieving a negative skin scraping.  Your pet will relapse if the treatment is stopped too soon.  

Be prepared to treat your pet diligently for 8-12 weeks minimum.  Many cases fail to respond due to a lack of proper treatment by YOU—the owner!

If you do not feel that you are medicating the pet correctly, we can do this for you at the hospital.

Be sure that your pet’s immunizations are up-to-date and that the dog is free of internal parasites. 

This is especially important since the immune system is already not working as well as it should be.

Notify the Doctor if any of the following should occur:

  • Your dog’s sores enlarge rapidly and general skin health worsens.

  • Your dog’s appetite and activity are decreasing.

  • Your dog’s condition recurs after an apparent recovery.

Please do not hesitate to call our hospital should you have any concerns or questions.  

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.