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Demodectic Mange
is caused by a tiny mite, which is too small to be seen with the naked
eye called, Demodex. canis. Nearly all dogs acquire mange mites from
their mothers during the first few days of life. These mites are
considered normal skin fauna when present in small numbers. They produce
disease only when an abnormal immune system allows their numbers to get
out of control. This usually occurs in puppies or in adult dogs with
lowered immunity. A high incidence in some bloodlines suggests that some
purebred dogs are born with an inherited immune susceptibility.
Demodectic mange occurs in a localized and generalized forms. The
diagnosis is made by taking multiple skin scrapings and looking for the
mites.
Localized
Demodectic Mange
The disease occurs in dogs under 1 year of age. The appearance of
the skin is similar to that of ringworm. The principal sign is thinning
of hair around the eyelids, the lips, and the corners of the mouth, and
occasionally on the legs and feet. The thinning progresses to patches of
moth-eaten hair loss about 1 inch in diameter. In some cases the skin
becomes red, scaly and infected.
It usually heals spontaneously in 6 to 8 weeks, but may wax and wane for
several months. If more than 5 patches are present, the disease could be
progressing to the generalized form. This occurs in approximately 10 %
of cases.
Treatment
A topical ointment containing either benzoyl peroxide gel (OxyDex or
Pyoben), or a mild topical preparation used to treat ear mites can be
massaged into the affected area once daily. This may shorten the course
of the disease. The medication should be rubbed with the lay of the hair
to minimize further hair loss. Treatment may cause the area to look
worse for the first few weeks. There is no evidence that treating
localized mange prevents it from becoming generalized. Have the puppy
rechecked in 4 weeks.
Generalized
Demodectic Mange
Dogs with generalized demodectic mange develop patches of hair loss on
the head, legs, and trunk. These patches combine to form large areas of
hair loss. The hair follicles become plugged with mites and skin scales.
The skin breaks down to form sores, crusts, and draining tracts,
presenting a most disabling problem.
When generalized demodectic mange develops in dogs under 1 year of age,
there is a 30 to 50 % chance that the puppy will recover spontaneously.
It is uncertain whether medical treatment accelerates this recovery.
In dogs older than 1 year of age, a spontaneous cure is unlikely, but
the outlook for improvement with medical treatment has drastically
improved over the past decade. Most dogs can be cured with intense
therapy. Most of the remaining cases can be controlled if the owner is
willing to commit to the necessary time and expense.
Treatment
Generalized demodectic mange must be treated under close veterinary
supervision. Therapy involves the use of medicated shampoos and dips to
remove surface scales and kill mites. Shave or clip hair from all
affected areas to facilitate access to the skin.
The FDA protocol involves first bathing the dog with a medicated benzoyl
peroxide shampoo (OxyDex or Pyoben) to remove skin scales. Allow the
shampoo to remain on the dog for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Completely dry the dog.
Amitraz (Mitaban) currently is the only miticide approved by the FDA for
use on dogs. Make up an amitraz dip by adding Mitaban to 2 gallons of
water, according to the directions. Be sure to treat in a
well-ventilated area and wear rubber or plastic gloves to keep the
chemical off your skin. Sponge the dip over a 10 minute period, allowing
the dog's feet to soak in the rinse. Allow the dip to dry on the dog.
Repeat this process every 2 weeks, or as directed by your vet. Try to
keep the dog from getting his coat and feet wet between dips.
Continue the protocol for 60 days beyond the day when the skin scrapings
first became negative.
Side effects of Mitaban include drowsiness, lethargy, vomiting,
diarrhea, dizziness, and staggered gait. Puppies are more susceptible
than adults to these effects. Should such a reaction occur, immediately
remove the miticide by thoroughly rinsing the coat and skin.
Secondary skin infections should be treated with antibiotics, based on
culture and sensitivity testing done at your vets. Corticosteroids, are
often used to control itching of a severe nature. However, these may
lower your dog's immunity to the mites and should not be used to treat
this disease.
*On a Personal Note - This section on Demodectic Mange was added
after a recent website visitor, Paul Kim from San Francisco sent us an
Email asking us if we could include this disease. We were more than
happy to oblige. Here are some comments that he had to share regarding
his pug's experiences with demodectic mange.
Hello Bay Area
Pugs,
I was browsing
through your website for the 1st time and found it absolutely marvelous!
I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I have two pugs (Dae-Jee and Prada) and
have come across the skin problem Demodectic Mange with both of them.
However, I took them to two different vets for a diagnosis and received
two TOTALLY different solutions with a drastic difference in cost.
Case 1: Dae-Jee - He had Demodectic Mange and was prescribed Goodwinol
(a orange pasty material).The mange cleared up in around a month.
Skin Scraping = ~ $20
Goodwinol = ~ $10
for a total of ~$30
Case 2: Prada -
She had Demadex (AKA Demodectic Mange) and was given the following:
1) Skin scrape = $21
2) 1st shot for Demadex = $21
3) Physical Exam = $42
4) Pyoben Gel = 2 x $12 = $24
5) 2nd Shot for Demadex = $21
6) 2nd Physical Exam = $42
Total of $211
So, the whole
point of my story is this. If any other pugs get diagnosed with
Demodectic Mange (AKA Demadex) JUST go with the Goodwinol. No matter
what the darn vet tells you, trust me it will save you a lot of $$. The
only draw back is this. Goodwinol is orange and can leave stains if your
pug is an indoor pug like mine, also the results will take longer using
the Goodwinol method and not the "Prada" method. But heck if
you are willing to save ~$180 bucks for putting up with the pesky mange
for just a week or two more I say do it. Plus, the mange isn't even
itchy so it won't really bother your pug. Well, I hope that no one else
has to go through the same experience.
Anyway, thanks
for making such a great Pug website and look forward to some
more great pics and ideas to come in the near future. See you at the
next
Pug Park!
Paul Kim
Thanks
Again for your input Paul!
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