Dog Health Issues - Description of Red / Demodectic Mange The word Mange comes from the Middle French word mangene meaning itching. The Dog Mange called Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex Canis, a minute size, worm-like mite that affects puppies from three to 12 months old. The skin is reddened and scaly, and hair loss occurs in circular patches resembling ‘ringworm’. Demodex mites belong to the group of parasitic mites that live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
Dog Health Problems - Spread of Red / Demodectic Mange Red / Demodectic Mange is generally a disease of young dogs that have a poorly developed immune systems. The mites are transferred directly from the mother to the puppies within the first week of life. The mother and puppy must be physically touching, as the parasite cannot survive off of the animal. The Demodex Canis lives, without causing any problems on practically all adult dogs, and humans! It is not spread like the Sarcoptic Mange, also known as Scabies. Older dogs who have a depressed immune system have also been known to acquire the disease.
The Life Cycle of the Red / Demodectic Mange mite - Demodex Canis Understanding the life-cycle is important so that strategies for treatment and prevention can be designed and implemented. The life of the Demodex Canis mite is spent entirely on the body of the dog its life cycle is as follows:
Eggs - Are white or cream and are laid on the host where they they hatch into larvae
Larvae - the larvae moves about on the skin surface and molts into the nymphal stage
Adult - becomes an adult within 2 weeks of hatching
Adults live between 20 - 35days on the host
Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Red / Demodectic Mange Red Mange - Demodectic is caused by a parasitic mite and symptoms may include some of the following:
Loss of Hair - localised mange - usually patches around the eyes, muzzle and head
Loss of Hair - generalised mange - usually patches over all of the body
Cracked skin oozing a clear fluid
Red and Scaly Skin
Listlessness
Fever
Loss of Appetite
Dog Health Questions - Dogs susceptible to Red / Demodectic Mange Dogs most susceptible to infection are usually young puppies or older dogs with a depressed immune system.
Dog Health Information - Treatment of Red / Demodectic Mange The treatment usually includes dips of an insecticide called Mitaban preceded by hair clipping and benzoyl peroxide shampoo.
Dog Health Advice We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health Specialist.
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems The sole purpose of the Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
