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Demodectic mange, like sarcoptic mange, is caused by a microscopic mite that lives in hair follicles. Every mammal, humans, dogs, cats, etc., has small number of these mites normally living in their hair follicles. Each species has its own unique specific demodectic mange mite; human mites only affect humans and dog demodex only affects dogs and cannot be transmitted to any other species. Demodectic mange is NOT contagious. It cannot spread from one animal to other animals or to people as sarcoptic mange does. Demodex, unlike sarcoptic mange, is not usually itchy. If the animal has a secondary bacterial skin infection there may be some types of skin lesions. Demodectic mange is most common in dogs under 18 months of age when the immune system is still developing. It may be seen in geriatric dogs that have a primary disease that is affecting the immune system like cancer, diabetes, thyroid disease or adrenal gland disease. The dog may have one or many circular areas of hair loss anywhere on the body, but the face and extremities are usually most commonly affected. Dogs with more severe cases may have generalized hair loss with redness, scaling and deep infection all over the body. Some dogs may get demodicosis just on the feet and in the nail beds which causes swelling, redness, infection, and may cause the dog to chew its feet. Research has proven that the predisposition for a dog to show clinical signs of these mites is passed on from generation to generation. Because of the hereditary nature of this disease, any animal that has been affect by demodectic mange should be spayed/neutered and never used for breeding. There are a variety of stressful situations that are frequent causes for an animal to be adversely affected by the mites in the hair follicles. Poor nutrition, intestinal worms, weaning, heartworm disease, a dirty environment, pregnancy, being in heat, nursing puppies, a new animal brought into the environment, the household moving, and other infections can all have an effect on stressing the immune system thus causing the dog to break with a case of demodecosis.
Demodectic mange mites are diagnosed by the veterinarian looking at a skin scraping under the microscope. Unlike sarcoptic mange mites, demodex is easier to diagnose but often very lengthy and more expensive to treat. In rare, but severe cases, the animal can die from complications. Treatment often takes weeks or months and the disease is associated with a suppressed immune system so antibiotics are often required as part of the treatment process. The only approved treatment is by a special shampoo and prescription dip of amitraz done by your veterinarian’s office every 1-2 weeks. The shampooing and dipping must be continued for several weeks after the animal appears normal. Animals with long hair need to be clipped or shaved for effective treatment by the dip. Ivermectin daily has been shown to be effective in treating demodectic mange; however, it is not approved for this disease so you and your veterinarian should talk about its extra label drug use and the pros and cons of each treatment option.
Some animals are not able to ever be cured and have to be maintained on treatment for the rest of their lives. If your animal has areas of hair loss have your veterinarian check it to catch a problem before it progresses to the point of a poor prognosis. Keeping your pet vaccinated, dewormed, on heartworm prevention, on a well balanced pet food, spayed/neutered, and clean and happy will help reduce the stressful factors which enable this hereditary, genetic disease from occurring as often.
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