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.
