Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite called Demodex canis.
Mites are not transmitted to people or other dogs except from mother dog to
pup. Demodectic mange (unlike Sarcoptic mange) is not contagious.
Mites live inside hair follicles --this leads to lose of hair and purplish
color of skin.
Mites and Manges
Mange is caused by another type of external parasite - the mite.
Fortunately, mange is rare in the well-fed, well-kept cat.
In dogs, two types of mange are the most common: DEMODECTIC mange or "red
mange," and SARCOPTIC mange or "scabies." They may be present at any
time of
the year.
Dogs suffering from demodectic mange usually do not scratch. This mange
is
most common in young short-haired animals and is marked in the early
stages
by small areas of hairlessness, accompanied by a red, irritated
appearance. Also you will notice a smell at first. I found after a week
of
treatment, it went away. In sarcoptic mange, a severe itching is usually
observed, with consequent skin irritation and loss of hair. This type of
mange is contagious to people as well as to other dogs and therefore
should
be checked as soon as possible.
It should be remembered that mange is more serious than a simple skin
irritation or abrasion or a source of discomfort to your dog - though it
certainly is that. Both of these manges are serious skin diseases that
can
lead to complications such as severe skin infections. Veterinarians
usually
treat mange by clipping, medicated baths or sprays, as well as oral
medication or injections.
Mites are a normal residents of dog skin; it is only in some individual dogs
that mites cause problems. I will explain this later.
My dog, Preshus Jones has Demodectic Mange. She is a 3 year old Beagle and a
rescue dog.
What I am about to tell you is the diagnosis and treatment given by my Vet,
Dr. Robert Burns, D.V.M. This is his treatment and I believe in him. There
are many reasons for this disease as seen on internet and just as many
varied treatments.
I got Preshus April 26, 2003. She was diagnosed in June. Dr. Burns did a
complete physical and many skin scrapings. As I am a nurse, I was able to
see what this mite looks like under a microscope.
Treatment is oral Ivermectin and antibiotics. In July, he added a medicated
shampoo to be used every other day. In August [yesterday] there are a few
mites left but Ivermectin dose increased. Her hair is starting to return.
Antibiotics will be restarted if crusts return. Antibiotics are for
secondary infection.
The Mother dog passed this to her. It is genetic. Not the mite but the
defect in her immune system. No animal with this disease should breed.
Hopefully, Preshus will not have the more expensive tests done. Blood tests
and biopsy. Hopefully she WILL BE CURED!
For all intents and purposes, Preshus is a normal, very intelligent dog. As of January 2004, no mites were found.
Marcia Duning
Greenville,Ohio
