Demodicosis (Red Mange)

"Could you tell me what Demodicosis is and what causes it, what the treatment is and how it is spread?" - Suzanne

Red Mange Treatment

Demodicosis Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Demodicosis is a disease of the skin caused by a small microscopic mite.  The mite is found in the root of the hair follicle.. It is normal for all dogs to have a small population of mites. However, certain animals are predisposed to have an overgrowth of mites. . In some cases, the tendency to develop Demodicosis is hereditary.

There are two forms of Demodicosis in dogs, localized and general.  Localized is where a small area of the skin is affected.  Generalized is where the majority of the body is involved and could include the feet.  There are several symptoms of Demodicosis including; loss of hair, reddening of the skin, formation of scabs and excessive itching. Skin infections due to damage by the mite are common.  These skin infections can become so severe that they include ulcers, swelling and fever.

Juvenile-onset generalized Demodicosis is a hereditary disease.   Affected dogs and their parents should not be bred.  Once a dog is identified as having a hereditary predisposition for Demodicosis, that individual should be spayed or neutered.  This is to prevent the unnecessary recurrence of the disease in their offspring.

Demodectic mange is diagnosed by examining deep skin scrapings under the microscope by your Veterinarian. Patients with generalized Demodicosis also require further testing for additional health problems.  Any underlying health problems need to be treated along with treatment of the Demodectic mange.  It is important to realize that the mange as well as any underlying issues must be treated simultaneously for there to be a high probability of treatment success..

Treatment of Demodectic mange depends on many different issues.  The age of the patient and the severity of the disease are two of the many observations that your Veterinarian will make.   Localized Demodectic mange may heal on its own. Often your veterinarian will prescribe a steroidal cream or gel will be used to reduce the itching and inflammation of the skin. It is very important that the affected areas be monitored for worsening of the condition or spreading to other areas of the body.  If there is an infection of the skin present antibiotics will be required for successful treatment. Generalized Demodicosis is often treated with amitraz (Mitaban®). Mitaban® dip is the only drug labeled  for treatment of Demodectic mange . To facilitate proper exposure of Mitaban® to the hair follicles it is most often necessary to clip the hair from the entire body of the patient.

There are multiple possible side effects when using Mitaban®. Small dogs generally are more sensitive to the treatment.  The side effects include sedation, low body temperature, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. If any of these side affects present themselves, your veterinarian may administer an antidote that helps reduce them. Treatment is usually applied once every one to two weeks in your veterinarian's office by a veterinarian’s assistant.

** The author of this article accepts no liability for misdiagnosis. If your animal shows any signs/ symptoms of the diseases described above, contact your veterinarian immediately. This is an informational article only and is NOT a complete list of diseases in dogs. This article should not take place of regular veterinary care.**