Demodex Mange
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- Published on Wednesday, 04 May 2011 14:36
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Do I have a poorly bred dog because he has DEMODEX?
Many veterinarians believe that all dogs have small numbers of demodex mites residing in the skin and that it is normal and common to have a few mites. It is when immune-related, nutritional, or when environmental stresses impact the dog that visible skin lesions from mites become noticeable.
Can Demodex mites be inherited?
No. The mites are not present on the fetus during development in the uterus. However, if the mother has demodex mites in or on her skin, the mites can invade the newborn’s thin skin. Since many dogs have demodex mites present in their skin and never actually develop noticeable skin lesions, the mother may transmit mites to her pups even though she has no signs of the mites herself. The pups may or may not develop a clinical case of mites.
What are the accepted treatments for demodex in the dog?
Mitaban was a commonly used treatment for demodex and had a great success rate. This prescription-only product is diluted with water and applied to the dog's skin according to the product directions. It is common for repeated applications to be required. This product may no longer be available. Some veterinarians may treat with a product called Ivermectin. This product must be very carefully dosed so it can be effective and non-toxic. The use of Ivermectin in treating demodex is off label and needs to be discussed with the owner before treatment. High doses are also used... with owner's consent and with caution! Another medication that is sometimes used is oral milbemycin administered daily for six to eight weeks. Lime-sulphur dips have been used in the past and some veterinarians continue to prefer this therapy for demodex.
Frank:
We rescued Frank from his owner who was at her wits end regarding his treatment for this skin condition. They no longer had the time or willingness to help him. Two months later he is 100% recovered currently lives with a wonderful family in southern CA. Frank’s new family absolutely adores him. We have been able to keep his demodex suppressed and he has had no further outbreaks. Can you tell? Frank has been symptom-free for more than a year now and is doing awesome. We love you Frank.
Here is a letter from his new family.
"Hi Todd & Family,
It's the Brooks family here in Yorba Linda, CA. We adopted the magnificent Frank back in June 2006. You had rescued him from a prior owner when he was suffering from Mange. Well....he is GORGEOUS!! Fat & happy. (He's on a bit of diet right now). We thought we would send some photos taken yesterday at the lake right down the street from our house.
Hope all is well with you & your family.
Dow, Megan, Daniella & Frank "The Tank" Brooks
xoxoxoxo 7-27-08"
Drucilla:
A year or so ago, one of our associate rescue groups, Animal Pals in Temecula, CA called us to rescue Drucilla. She was found loose on the streets with a terrible case of Demodex. After 2 months of treatment, she was completely cured and has been mange free ever since.
This picture does not show the real magnitude of the demodex. I believe that her owners put her out instead of spending the money to fix her. She is a great dog. What a shame. We spayed her and she currently lives with a friend in Riverside County, CA. She is gorgeous. I will post a picture of her after treatment soon.
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