Demodectic Mange is parasitic skin diseases that occur due to microscopic mites. There are two variations of mange mites causing a variety of health hazards in dogs. The first type thrives under the skin, and the second one takes shelter inside the hair follicles. Both the mite varieties share same peculiarity, but also there are significant differences.
Causes
Demodectic mange or Demodex makes the dog suffer a graet deal of agony and results as an interaction the Demodex Canis which is a parasite that lives in the hair follicles. Magnification makes the mite appear as a cigar-shaped creature with eight legs. Every breeds of dogs and we have a few of these mites on the visible part of the skin. As long as the body's immune system is functioning properly, these mites will not cause any damage.
The condition develops when a canine suddenly develops a weak immune system. With age, their ability to fight miroscopic animals also also weakens up. Dogs who suffer from immune system suppression due to any accidental trauma or injury are also prone to this condition.
So, is it infectious?
The answer is No. This condition is not infectious to other dogs or humans. Demodectic mange transfers to the newborn pups from the mothers during the pup's initial stages of life. These parasites are naturally found on the surface of the skin of all dogs. So regular exposure to other dogs will not be harmful.
Will this condition harm your dog?
Not much. In most dogs, this condition doesn't cause consequences like severe itching, but the dog may lose some hair patches. The most common place of origin in most of the cases is the eyes. The owner may also see few hair loss patches which is called as Localized Demodectic Mange. This condition can occupy a major portion of the skin, it becomes Generalized Demodectic Mange.
Diagnosis
The vet may suggest deep skin scrapings and study them under the microscope. This will provide a massive insight into the disease. If the vet finds a maximum number of Demadex mites in the test, then it’s a confirmation that the dog is indeed suffering from this condition. A vet also diagnoses Demodectic Mange by skin biopsy required if the dog isn’t responding to topical mediums of diagnosis.
Treatment
A veterinarian treats the localized variation by medications of the local variant. The generalized type will need more extensive treatment. It includes things like special shampoos and dips, and some forms of oral medication. Shampoos with benzoyl peroxide help to flush out and open new hair follicles before clipping them. The owner can ask for more information on this to the vet. In dogs with generalized demodectic mange can also have some skin infections on the second lines which can even complicate the condition. Hence it requires the intervention of therapy to work against organisms. Canines with this skin infection many times have very reddish tinged and inflamed the skin. For this reason the vets have given the name red mange.
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