Symptoms & Treatments for Pet Demodectic Mange: A Compr

The Symptoms of Demodectic Mange

This condition was initially referred to as 'erythras' due to one of its primary symptoms: the skin becomes distinctly red.

Other common clinical manifestations include:

1. Hair Loss

2. Appearance of Blackheads and Pimples

3. Formation of Hard Scabs

Excessive mites within the hair follicles can lead to hair breakage, a condition known as folliculitis. Mites in the ear follicles can also cause infections. Dogs with demodectic mange typically do not suffer from itching unless they have secondary bacterial infections. Unlike other parasites, demodectic mites do not transmit to other dogs, pets, or humans.

Diagnosis of Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange presents symptoms similar to many other skin diseases, but it requires a very different treatment approach. Although these mites cannot be seen with the naked eye, they can be diagnosed through a deep skin scraping test. This procedure can be performed by your veterinarian, who will gently scrape your pet's skin using a dull scalpel. While there may be some bleeding, it is usually painless. The diagnosis of mange is confirmed by examining skin samples under a microscope.

After diagnosis, further examination and treatment will depend on the type of disease. Demodectic mange is generally categorized into juvenile onset (before 2 years of age) and adult onset (first occurrence after 2 years). Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, young dogs are more susceptible to the disease. Common underlying causes for adult or senior dogs to contract the disease include hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, cancer, and other chronic immunesuppressing conditions.

In addition, the disease can be classified based on the number of lesions: localized lesions (less than 5) and generalized lesions (5 or more, on both paws or on the face). Many localized cases may resolve on their own without treatment, while generalized diseases almost always require more intensive treatment. The diagnosis for adult or senior dogs includes complete blood tests, chest Xrays, and abdominal ultrasounds, all based on clinical suspicion of underlying conditions.

Treatment

The treatment for demodectic mange is relatively straightforward, as many common antiparasitic medications can be used to treat this skin condition. It is recommended to choose the medication based on your pet's age, overall health, and breed. For instance, certain breeds, such as Australian Shepherds, Collies, and Shetland Sheepdogs, may be more sensitive to antiparasitic drugs, and thus, different treatment plans or genetic testing may be recommended.

Overall, demodectic mange is a highly treatable disease. We generally perform deep skin scrapings on pets 4 weeks and 8 weeks after starting antiparasitic treatment to ensure that all mites are thoroughly eliminated.