Symptoms and Treatment of Canine Demodicosis

Canine demodicosis is also called red mange or canine skin mites. Our pets: dogs, cats and others can suffer from this skin condition. The disease often appear in form of isolated lesions that can be spotted on any part of our pets’ body. Most often, these lesions are accompanied by hair loss and spots of crusty red skin. Worst case or severe form of canine demodicosis is characterized by a foul smell and intense itchiness.

The main culprit of this skin disease is the infestation of Demodex canis, a particular dog mite thriving in the hair follicles where they could readily feed on dietary yeasts, systemic yeasts and sugar. Two main truths should be noted on such mites: (a) these mites are seemingly normal thriving parasites in almost all dogs of all ages; (b) canine demodicosis occur at the on-set of infestation. Further, it should be noted that infestation of those mites on the otherhand is driven by a weak immune system.

Hence, when we talk of canine demodicosis, two specific factors are always being considered: the mites itself which are the demodex canis; and, the infestation of those mites induced by a weak immune system.

Canine demodicosis is being classified in two forms, the juvenile-onset demodicosis and the adult-onset demodicosis.

Juvenile-onset of canine skin mites is typically present in dogs younger than two (2) years old. Infestation usually takes place at this age when the dog’s immune system has not yet achieved full development. Puppies at this age will be saved from infection of such mites once their immune system strengthens, otherwise, the infection will be carried until the puppies will grow into an adult. Adult-onset demodicosis are present in those dogs of over two(2) or four(4) years of age which is usually accompanied by a concurrent illness which mainly contributes to the weakening of the immune system. Such illnesses include cancer, hypothyroidism and neoplasia to mention a few.

Canine demodicosis can further be subdivided into two more categories namely, the localized and the generalized demodicosis.

Localized canine demodicosis is described as small, scaly patches at any infected part of the dog’s body - usually, appears in the front legs and face. A fairly mild itchiness can be observed in our pets.

Generalized canine demodicosis suggests a more serious case compared with the localized demodicosis. It can be described by the presence of multiple patches of scaly-red lesions accompanied by hair loss scattered in almost all parts of the dog’s body. Severe skin irritation is very visible and usually produces a foul smell. At this stage, the situation is usually induced and furthered by bacterial infection brought about by continuous scratching of the dog on the affected area that will result to the presence of pus in the crusty-bloody sores.

Treatment of canine demodicosis vary as to what type and as to the health status of the pet. Localized demodicosis in puppies usually heals for itself accordingly to the development and strengthening of the immune system. A good-quality diet for the puppies which will help boost the immune system will be a lot of help. This would take from six to eight weeks to achieve full recovery. It is advised that the puppies be check of presence of any intestinal parasites. Further, substances such as Godwinol should be avoided because it appears to be an irritant which could induce the progress of infection. During this natural treatment, it is suggested to follow through regular monitoring on the progress of the treatment process.

Generalized canine demodicosis however requires serious, intensive treatment. Going through a physical examination on the state of health of our pet is an essential primary step. Identifying any underlying disease of our pets will be considered to help us choose the correct treatment procedure to undergo.

Some veterinary procedures resort to the use of drugs and substances which contains active chemicals that will totally wash-off the Demodex mites. The use of acaricides is an option which is usually in a lotion form diluted in water and used like a shampoo to the infected dog.

Systemic medication and topical therapy are also among the options for treatment of demodicosis. Topical therapy involves the use of amitraz dips which requires a weekly treatment, while systemic medication includes the use of ivermectin and milbemycin. However, the use of such highly toxic substances should be carefully thought-off, calculated and applied. These substances have wide range limitations and considerations – for example, Ivermectin cannot be used and is lethal to Collies and Shelties breeds.

On the otherhand, cases with severe skin infection usually prompt veterinarians to use antibiotic therapy which is being applied for about one to two months. However, over-use of antibiotics weakens the dog’s immune system. It is therefore suggested to complement this therapy with alternative natural medications like the application of magnesium treatment.

Knowledge on treatments of such serious skin disease among our pets is a positive attitude. Yet, knowing more of its preventive measures is always an added plus factor. As always, keeping our pet’s good health state remains the best preventive action.

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