Demodectic mange is a skin infection caused by mites typically found on dogs. It is often transmitted from mother to puppy, but is not contagious between other animals or humans.
Symptoms of demodectic mange in dogs include hair loss, skin scaling, and bumps on the skin. It is important for pet owners to understand the causes, diagnosis, and treatments of demodectic mange to ensure their pet’s health and wellness.
In this article, we will take a closer look at demodectic skin infections in dogs.
What Is Demodectic Mange
Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin infection caused by mites. It is most commonly transmitted from mother to puppy. Dogs with weakened immune systems are susceptible to this condition. It can cause hair loss, scaling, bumps, and thickening of the skin.
The mite is a normal inhabitant of the hair follicle and is typically harmless. However, it can cause an overgrowth in dogs with immature or compromised immune systems. Clinical signs of demodectic mange include alopecia, skin scaling, papules, skin pigmentation, and thickening of the skin. The level of itchiness varies depending on secondary skin infections.
Treatment for demodectic mange may include topical medications, miticidal treatment, and antibiotics for secondary skin infections. It is important to note that demodectic mange is not contagious between dogs and cannot spread from dogs to humans.
Symptoms of Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Symptoms of this parasitic skin infection may include hair loss, skin scaling, bumps on the skin, skin pigmentation, and thickening of the skin. Itchiness can vary depending on secondary skin infections or the extent of the lesions. These signs typically begin around the face and head in puppies, though they can be found anywhere on the body.
In severe cases, a dog may experience pain, lethargy, fever, draining wounds, skin swelling, and ear infections. Although it does not cause symptoms in humans, demodectic mange can be a serious health concern for dogs.
It is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has this condition.
Causes of Demodectic Mange in Dogs
The mites that cause demodectic mange are usually harmless and are transmitted from mother to puppy while suckling milk. Generally, mange occurs when a dog’s immune system is weak, such as in puppies or older dogs with underlying illnesses. Demodex mites are not contagious between dogs, so there is no risk for humans.
However, when the mite population on the skin grows, it can cause skin irritation or infection. Symptoms include hair loss, scaling, bumps, and thickening of the skin. Diagnosis is often done through skin scraping or hair plucking.
Treatment may include topical medications or systemic miticides, depending on the severity of the infection. Antibiotics may also be necessary in some cases.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Veterinarians typically diagnose demodectic mange by performing skin scrapings or hair pluckings and examining the samples under a microscope. These samples are checked for the presence of mites, which would indicate a positive result.
Fecal testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can also be used to detect the mites, although the latter may not always yield accurate results.
For severe or unresponsive cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary.
Treatment of demodectic mange depends on the type and severity of the infection, but generally includes medications like ivermectin or afoxolaner. Treatment continues until two consecutive negative skin scraping or hair plucking tests occur.
Antibiotic therapy may also be necessary for secondary skin infections.
Treatment of Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Treatment of demodectic mange typically involves medications such as ivermectin or afoxolaner. It must be continued until two consecutive negative tests occur.
Topical medications, like moxidectin and imidacloprid, can be used for localized infections.
More severe cases may require oral miticidal medications. These include ivermectin, milbemycin, doramectin, amitraz, fluralaner, afoxolaner, sarolaner, and lotilaner.
Antibiotics may be necessary for secondary skin infections.
Localized infections may spontaneously resolve without treatment.
Breeding dogs with generalized demodectic infections is not recommended.
With the right treatment, demodectic mange can be effectively managed and controlled.
Prevention of Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Preventing demodectic mange in dogs can be done by maintaining a healthy immune system and avoiding close contact with mite-carriers. Owners should vaccinate puppies on time and keep them up to date on their vaccinations. It is important to provide a balanced diet and adequate exercise to keep the immune system strong.
Additionally, contact with mite-carrying animals should be avoided, as this can increase the risk of infection. Regularly checking the skin and fur for mites or lesions can help identify any issues early on. If mites are found, treatment should be started immediately to avoid further complications.
Bathing can also help remove mites from the skin and fur. It is important to use a medicated shampoo that is specifically designed to treat mites.
