Red mange, also known as Demodicosis, is a common canine skin condition caused by the demodex canis, according to the Pet Place. Demodex canis mites are found on most dogs; however, some dogs are unable to control the mite population and develop red mange. The two main types of red mange infections in dogs are generalized and localized. As a result, the medical treatments vary depending on a dog's specific condition.
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Symptoms
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Dogs may develop red mange symptoms at any point during their lives. According to the Pet Place website, localized red mange usually involves the loss of fur and development of a crusty sore in one area on the body. Generalized red mange involves large areas of hair loss and widespread sores. Treatment is essential for generalized red mange.
Types of Medications
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The type of medications used to treat red mange varies according to the severity of a dog's symptoms. For small lesions and localized sores, most veterinarians will recommend a topical ointment or medicated bath, according to the Pet Wellbeing website. In severe cases of red mange, dogs often develop a secondary infection. Proper medical treatment typically involves a course of injected or oral antibiotics in addition to topical ointments. According to the Pet Place website, generalized red mange requires medications to rid the body of demodex canis mites as well as medications to treat infections. Anti-mite medications generally include amitraz-based bathing dips or systematic medications such as milbemycin and ivermectin.
Administration
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After a proper diagnosis, owners will typically have to administer medications at home because dips and oral medications require several rounds in order to be effect. Most dogs will be given oral antibiotics, except in severe cases that require injected antibiotics. Anti-mite dips involve bathing dogs in medicated liquids in place of traditional dog shampoos, according to Pet Wellbeing. Dogs may require oral anti-mite medication in place of dips.
Time Frame
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Depending on the severity of the case, red mange medications must be administered for a lengthy amount of time, according the Pet Place. Antibiotics are typically required for four weeks for a mild infection and up to 10 weeks for a severe infection. Oral anti-mite medications may be necessary for up to three months. When anti-mite dips are prescribed the dog will typically require six to 10 dips before the mites are eliminated.
Side Effects
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While red mange medications are effective, they do have some serious side effects. Many types of medications are breed-specific and may be dangerous if used on the wrong breed of dog, according to Pet Wellbeing. Dips should not be used by toy breeds or young puppies. Pet Place warns against using oral anti-mite medications on herding breeds such as collies and shelties. These dogs may experience tremors, seizures or comas. The drugs are potentially fatal for herding dogs. Other breeds also experience side effects related to oral anti-mite medicines. The symptoms include trouble walking, circling and leg weakness, but are typically mild.
Supplemental Treatment
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In addition to medical treatments, dogs may be comforted by a soothing bath. The Pet Place recommends using a benzoyl peroxide shampoo for dogs affected with red mange. Benzoyl peroxide shampoos may also increase the effectiveness of mange dips.
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