Canine Demodectic Mange Other names for demodex Red

Canine Demodectic Mange

Other names for demodex § Red Mange § Puppy Mange § Follicular Mange § Demodicosis § Demodex Infection

Mange is a skin disease most commonly seen in young dogs. It is caused by the mite Demodex canis. This mite lives in almost every dog’s hair follicles in small numbers and does not usually cause a problem until they lay eggs and start to multiply.

Diagnostic Testing Demodectic mange can only be definitely diagnosed by a veterinarian. A skin scraping will be performed using a scalpel blade to scrape the affected areas of skin deep enough to obtain the hair follicles. The hair follicles are placed onto a microscope slide with oil and examined under a microscope.

Clinical Signs Alopecia +/- Pruritus Erythema Few isolated lesions Secondary bacterial infection

Treatment of demodectic mange usually includes the use of topical medications. Mitaban is one of the most popular. It has the active ingredient, Amitraz, which helps treat Demodex canis. Mitaban dips can be done every two weeks until there are two negative skin scrapings performed.

Prognosis The prognosis of demodectic mange is typically excellent. Most dog’s immune systems are strong enough to fight off infections.

Works Cited http: //pets. webmd. com/dogs/demodectic-mange-dogs http: //www. peteducation. com/article. cfm? c=2+2101&aid=7 29