Bulldogs are susceptible to skin conditions, including red mange. Red mange is a common canine skin disease that's also known as demodicosis or demodex. It's caused by demodex canis, a microscopic mite that is actually part of the normal flora of the skin on all dogs. In predisposed individuals, the mites increase in number, causing clinical disease. Susceptibility to mange is inherited.
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Types
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Red mange is either localized or generalized. Localized mange usually occurs in bulldogs younger than one year of age. They're usually healthy and have developed mange as the result of a temporary illness or a stressful event. According to Petplace.com, about 90 percent of dogs with localized demodicosis recover spontaneously. The other 10 percent or so develop generalized red mange, which can also develop as an acute illness. This form is categorized as juvenile or adult red mange. Most bulldogs with juvenile-onset self-cure, but prognosis for adult-onset is guarded.
Symptoms
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In localized red mange, a few circular, crusty areas are noted, most frequently on the head and forelegs of young dogs. Bulldogs with generalized red mange have areas of hair loss over their entire bodies, including head, neck, abdomen, legs and feet. Their skin is crusty and inflamed and cracks, oozing a clear liquid. Unfortunately, dogs afflicted with the generalized form usually have a secondary bacterial infection. Some become very ill, developing fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Bulldogs with generalized red mange need immediate treatment.
Diagnosis
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Suspected demodectic mange can be confirmed with a skin scraping or biopsy. The alligatorlike mites can be seen under a microscope. "Remember that these mites are present in every dog," states PetEducation.com, "so by themselves, they do not constitute a diagnosis of mange. The mite must be coupled with the lesions for a diagnosis of mange to be made." Older bulldogs and other breeds diagnosed with mange should be screened for other illnesses such as Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, cancer and heartworm disease.
Treatment
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There are three treatments for red mange: amitraz (Mitaban), milbemycin (Interceptor) and ivermectin (Ivomec). Mitaban is the only FDA-approved treatment. Most vets use it weekly, rather than the bi-weekly protocol, according to Petplace.com. Milbemycin requires, on average, 90 days of therapy. The treatment of choice for most veterinarians is ivermectin. According to Petplace.com, "It is recommended to build up the dose gradually to minimize the occurrence of severe adverse effects." Bulldogs, like all breeds, are given ivermectin daily until the resolution of signs and then weaned off it gradually over a two- to three-month period.
Home Care
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Owners must give their bulldogs antibiotics for several weeks to treat any secondary bacterial infection. Antibiotics are administered for from four to 10 weeks, depending on whether infection is superficial or deep. If the bulldog's veterinarian doesn't elect to administer mange dips, the owner must give the bulldog oral medication--either ivermectin or milbemycin--to kill the mites. Dogs usually receive medication for a minimum of three months. Bulldogs undergoing dips at the veterinary clinic cannot get wet between visits. If oral anti-mange medications are used, the owners must bathe the bulldogs regularly with antibacterial shampoos.
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