Demodecosis
Demodecosis is a form of mange. It occurs when there are excessive numbers of
demodectic mites on the animals’ body. This disease usually appears on younger
animals. Puppies acquire the mites from their
mother within the first few days of life.
There seems to be a genetic and/or immunologic predisposition in most
cases and purebred dogs are affected more frequently than mixed breed dogs. The mites live in the hair follicles and
cause hair loss and red skin. Diagnosis
is made by repeated skin scrapings.
Three main syndromes are seen with demodecosis.
1.
Localized demodecosis:
Localized infections are noticed as one or more areas of red, hairless skin
which may or may not be itchy. These
types of lesions are seen most frequently on the face and forelegs.
2.
Generalized demodecosis:
Generalized demodecosis involves large areas of the
dog’s body. Generalized demodecosis occurs commonly on puppies, but may be seen in
adult dogs. Adult dogs diagnosed with
generalized demodecosis should be thoroughly
evaluated for other diseases that could make them more susceptible to an
overpopulation of demodex mites.
3.
Demodectic pododermatitis: This is a chronic infection of the feet with demodex mites. It is
usually associated with a secondary bacterial infection.
Treatment for demodecosis can
involve many things depending on the veterinarians
recommendations:
1. Clipping
long haircoats.
2. Daily
oral medications such as ivermectin.
3.
Medicated baths for secondary bacterial infections.
4.
Dipping with MitabanÒ. (A prescription product only available to
veterinarians.) Dipping is repeated
every 2 weeks until 2 consecutive skin scrapings are
negative.
5. Repeated skin scrapes to demonstrate effectiveness
of treatment.
The
long-term outlook for puppies affected with demodecosis
is usually good. Approximately 10% can
have relapses when under stress. Affected puppies should be spayed or
neutered when old enough to decrease the stress in their lives and also to
prevent transmission of the disease to the next generation.