Types
Localized
This type of demodex will affect only a few parts of the body, usually the face. It will appear as just a small lesion around the face and is commonly seen in puppies. Most cases of localized demodex will resolve without any treatments as the puppies immune systems mature.
Generalized
This type of demodex will affect larger areas of skin or possibly the entire body. Generalized demodex will many times cause secondary bacterial infections. These bacterial infections will cause intense itching and a foul odor. It can be very difficult to fully eliminate all the mites.
Demodectic Pododermatitis
This type of demodex is located on the feet only. It causes secondary bacterial infections that are located between the pads and the toes. This type is the most difficult to fully cure.
Demodex is caused by the Demodex canis, which is a parasite or mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have these mites living on their skin but will not have a reaction to these mites unless their immune system is deficient.
Demodex is most common in puppies and dogs that have immature immune systems. The mites will multiply uncontrollably when your dog’s immune system is immature or weak and unable to properly dispose of the excessive mites. Most adult dogs will be able to fight off the excessive mites without needing medical intervention. Older dogs may also show symptoms of demodex as their immune systems begin to decline and with age.
Your veterinarian will begin by taking a complete medical history on your dog. They will also ask you about any changes in diet or environment. Then, your veterinarian will complete a full physical examination on your dog, paying close attention to any bald spots or noticeable lesions.
Your veterinarian will do a complete blood count and will also do a skin scraping of an affected area. The skin scraping will be placed under a microscope and your veterinarian will look for mites. Demodex canis mites are fairly easy to spot under the microscope.
If your dog is a mature dog, your veterinarian may also search for the reason the Demodex canis mites were able to multiply uncontrollably. There is usually an underlying cause that is suppressing the immune system and sometimes it is extremely difficult to find what that cause is.
Once your veterinarian has diagnosed demodex they will begin treatments to get rid of the overgrowth of mites. Anti-mite creams can be used as well as anti-inflammatory creams and corticosteroid creams. Your veterinarian may also recommend using benzoyl peroxide on larger areas. Your veterinarian will probably trim the hair around the affected areas. This will allow the prescribed creams to work more effectively on the affected areas.
Some cases of demodex may require the use of anti-parasitic medications. Your veterinarian will prescribe the medications they feel will work best on your dog. Antibiotics may also be used in cases where bacterial infections from the demodex have occurred.
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Most cases of demodex are treatable. Dogs that are suffering from a weak or suppressed immune system will be much more susceptible to other diseases and conditions as well as relapses of demodex. Dogs that have immature immune systems, such as puppies, will generally recover from demodex and will not have a relapse.
Speak with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s prognosis. Dogs that have weak or suppressed immune systems should not be used for breeding. Puppies who have developed a case of demodex can still be bred when they are older as long as the demodex does not recur.
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Like young dogs who develop an overgrowth of demodex mites many veterinarians believe that these older dogs have something in their genetic makeup which makes them vulnerable to a mite proliferation.
Since we do believe this condition to be genetically linked we do recommend spaying or neutering. There are also lots of other health benefits to this as well! Many females will get dramatically worse during heat cycles. Spaying your pet will eliminate this concern.
Almost all dogs have demodex mites. It is normal to have demodex mites in small numbers. In dogs with a mature, healthy immune system the mites are kept in check. However, in the very old, very young, sick, or pregnant dogs the immune system may be compromised and the mites may increase dramatically in number. When the mites are in very small numbers they cause no clinical signs and are not visible to the naked eye. When there is an overgrowth of mites this can lead to hair loss, red, flaky skin and sometimes secondary bacterial infection.
When a dog who has gone through life with no problems regulating demodex suddenly has a problem we always want to know why. This can happen for a number of reasons. The most common reported causes are underactive thyroid, Cushing’s disease, cancer or immunosuppressive medications. These account for about 50% of adult onset cases. In many cases an underlying cause cannot be found. The likelihood of finding an underlying cause will depend somewhat on how many tests we decide to run. In some cases the demodex may be the first sign of a more serious disease which may not become obvious for several months. If there is an underlying cause which is not treated the demodex likely will not resolve even with the best anti-demodex medications.
This occurs in puppies and young adult dogs. Most of these dogs will have multiple areas of hair loss. Many of these dogs have no symptoms though some can be mildly itchy.
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Demodex in Dogs | Demodicosis
Demodectic mange, also known as demodicosis or “red mange”, is caused by a cigar-shaped, microscopic mite called Demodex canis. These mites are transmitted from mother to pup within the first few days of life. They live deep within the hair follicle and cannot be transmitted to other healthy dogs or humans. Most dogs have such low numbers of demodex mites on their skin that they never experience problems. However, demodicosis can develop when these mites occur in higher numbers, causing skin problems and hair loss.