According to the Dog Owner's Guide and Pet Place websites, demodectic mange is most prevalent in puppies from the ages of three to 12 months. The disease is caused by the demodectic mite. This tiny mite is commonly present in the skin of dogs and is passed from the mother to the offspring at birth, but in some breeds such as the rat terrier, the normal mite population can grow into an infestation that affects the dog's general health.
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Puppies
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The Dog Owner's Guide indicates that one of the early symptoms of demodectic mange (also called demodicosis) in puppies is hair loss in the facial area, especially around the eyes and mouth, and around the front legs. As the disease progresses, the hair will fall out in small patches. In extreme cases the skin may form oozing sores. Fortunately, most of the time the infection will clear itself up as his immune system matures.
Adult Dogs
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Older dogs that develop demodectic mange can be somewhat more difficult to treat than puppies. In adult dogs, the problem is often caused because the animal is ill or because his immune system has been compromised. The Clivir website indicates that among other illnesses, Cushing's disease (a disease that affects his cortisol levels,) diabetes, an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism), or medications that suppress his immune system can cause an overgrowth of demodectic mites.
Diagnosis
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According to information found at the Clivir and Pet Place websites, a veterinarian can diagnose demodectic mange in both adult dogs and puppies. By using a scalpel, she will scrape off some of the skin in the affected area and will look at it underneath a microscope. The mites are cigar-shaped and are easily differentiated from the dog's skin particles. By examining the skin scraping, the veterinarian will also be able to tell if your dog has developed a secondary infection from the mites called pyoderma. The Merck Veterinary Manual indicates that this infection can cause inflammation, swelling and pus at the infected site.
Treatment
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The Pet Education website says that there are a number of different methods of treatment. Between 30 and 50 percent of adult dogs will recover without treatment, but other dogs may require a more aggressive approach. One method is to dip the dog in a formula called Mitaban, also known as Amitraz, which will kill the mites on the skin. Antibiotics may be necessary if the dog also has pyoderma. Vitamin supplements such as fatty acids and medicated shampoos may also be beneficial.
Breeding
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Pet Education recommends spaying and neutering dogs that develop demodectic mange. These animals should not be bred. Since they have already demonstrated sensitivity to the demodectic mite, they are highly likely to pass the immunological defect down to their offspring.
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