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Demodectic Red Mange"Demodectic Red Mange can be treated with prescrption and home treatments. Demodectic Red Mange happens when demodex mites (Demodex canis) that normally live on your dog multiply in unusually large numbers your dog has demodectic mange. This happens when your dog’s immune system is unable to kill them off naturally. From scratching, itching and licking the spots, they turn red earning the disease the nickname Red Mange. There are two types of red Mange, local and general.Local Demodectic Mange – This is seen in dogs that are less than 1 year old. The disease is confused with ringworm since they have a similar appearance. If you see more than 5 patches, then your dog probably has the generalized form.Generalized Demodectic Mange – Mange that is generalized is present with there are 5 or more spots that have hair loss in big spots on the head, legs and body. This happens when the mites clog the hair follicles causing the skin to become sore forming crusts. Symptoms of Demodectic Red MangeBald spots can appear almost anywhere on the body including the underside, face, neck, head, near the eyes, legs, and behind. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and lower energy levels.
Picture of Demodectic Red Mange (Picture of Canine Mange) Diagnosis of Demodectic MangeMites are only found in 50% of Mange cases. Diagnosis is difficult since constant scratching might remove the mites leaving behind sore skin (caused by toxins left behind by the mites). This makes scrape tests where the skin is scraped and looked at under the microscope unpredictable.Most veterinarians will treat for mange as a way of diagnosing the problem. If symptoms subside after 2 to 4 weeks, then it is assumed that your pet has sarcoptic or demodectic mange. Demodectic Mange TreatmentYour veterinarian will probably prescribe a demodectic mange treatment dip such as Paramite dip (an organophosphate) or Mitaban dip (Amitraz). Both are not available over the counter. Mitaban is particularly toxic to animals. The Disease typically subsides in one month to six months of treatment. You may also use Dermisil for Pet Mange to treat the mange outbreak which is available without prescription.You might also want to consider a medicated shampoo Hair may be shaved near the areas to be treated to allow for easier access. The shampoo will penetrate the skin, open the pours, and allow a dip to be more effective. Shampoo baths should last for 10 minutes followed by a rinse. In this case your dog should be dried. For bad cases your veterinarian will either prescribe ivermectin or milbemycin (Interceptor). Both are given orally or via injection once a day for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Removing Mange Mites from your HomeEven if the mange mites no longer live on your pet, they could be alive in the rooms where your dog lives. To avoid reoccurence it's important to use a miticide in your home designed to kill mites. We recommend Benzarid since it is both safe and highly effective when used indoors. They also sell a power steamer for remove and kill mange mites from patio or outdoor areas.SourcesThe Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and CatsPrevention Magazine Brevitz, Betsy DVM Canine Scabies: An Update From Demodectic Red Mange to More on Canine Mange Dog Health Guide Home
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