There are three forms of Demodex and clinical signs will depend on which type your dog has. Signs are hair loss, inflammation of the skin and in severe cases, pustules and itchiness with occasional bleeding. It is possible that ear infections could also be symptoms. In Localized Demodex there may be a role played by stress that leads to suppression of the immune system. Most dogs with only one or two spots of localized Demodex may outgrow it as their immune system gets stronger with age or a decrease in stress levels. The first signs is a thinning of the hair around the eyelids, lips and corners of the mouth and also on the front legs. Dogs affected by Generalized Demodex have an immune deficiency and the entire body is affected.
Most generalized demodicosis start as localized demodicosis. Physiological stress is an important factor in determining the degree of severity of the situation. First and foremost, female dogs should be spayed as soon as the disease is under control as coming into heat (hormone fluxes and pregnancy) is very stressful. Skin infections are usually present and antibiotics will likely be needed. Also, predispoition to demodicosis is hereditary and should not be passed on. The third form is Demodectic Podomermatitis which is a condition that is confined to the paws. Bacterial infections usually accompany this condition.
Diagnosing Mange is done by doing skin scrapings which are then looked at under a microscope. There are various treatments and can only speak about the one we used for Faith's Mange. We did a series of baths, dips and doses of Ivomectin. The dips lasted 12 weeks and the Ivomectin approximately 6 weeks after that. Carol, Faith's new Mom, continues to give her baths every week and is extremely focused on taking care of any pestules that pop up. Whether due to her Mange, Faith now has numerous food allergies and we stay on top of any changes in her behavior and/or appearance.
Chloe was rescued from a county northwest of me by a dear rescue friend and sent to another friend, Shelley Cumella with Black Hills Boxer Rescue in Rapid City SD. Chloe's mange was so advanced it was hard for Shelley to get a good hold on it but once that was accomplished Chloe then went into kidney failure. They both fought a good fight but Chloe went to the bridge November 7, 2006. My eternal thanks to Shelley for doing the very best she could for Chloe.
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