host posted on May 09, 2011 10:51
Demodicosis is a skin disease caused by a microscopic parasitic mite. Demodectic mites are found in small numbers in the hair follicles of normal dogs. In dogs with demodicosis, however, these mites proliferate, and large numbers inhabit the skin and hair follicles. Dogs acquire mites from their mother 2-3 days after birth.
Demodicosis may involve only 1 or 2 small areas of skin (localized mange) or large areas of the body (generalized mange). Juvenile-onset demodicosis occurs in dogs 3-12 months old, and the short-haired breeds are most commonly affected. Adult-onset demodicosis generally occurs in dogs more than 5 years old, and is often associated with internal disease or cancer. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to the generalized form, and breeding these dogs is not recommended.
Localized demodicosis is the mildest form. Usually only a few areas of hair loss on the head or front legs occur. Most dogs with the localized form recover completely with minimal treatment or sometimes with no treatment. Since there is no way to know if a puppy with localized demodex will progress to the generalized form, at least some form of treatment is often recommended even in the milder cases.
Generalized demodicosis is serious and often difficult to treat. Large areas of the body may be affected, and often the affected areas are also infected by bacteria. In these cases, the skin is red, crusty and warm, and has many pustules. It may bleed easily and has a strong, rancid order. While most of these cases are curable, some can only be controlled, and periodic re-treatment is necessary.
Demodicosis also occurs as a chronic foot infection in mature dogs.
Treatment can consist of topical creams, dips or oral drugs. Some dogs may require combinations of these treatment options.