Message #226944

[tmatt]

 Demodectic/red mange is actually a problem with the dogs immune system. The demodectic mite is found on virtually every dog but in most cases the dog's immune system keeps the mite in check and prevents an outbreak. In other cases the immune system is compromised in some way and thus allowing the mites to get out of control. There are two types of demodectic mange, localized and generalized. It is considered to be localized if there are four spots or less on the dog's entire body. It is considered generalized if the affected area is more than that. The localized form should go untreated to see if it goes away or if it becomes generalized. The reason for this is to see if the dog's immune system develops and resolves it self. If it does resolve itself then some people say that the dog can still be bred. Localized demodex is considered to be a puppy disease due to an underdeveloped immune system. Generalized demodectic mange is a totally different story. It is due to a weak immune system in general and is believed to be inherited from the parents. The mange outbreaks once under control are usually brought on by stress ie. going into heat, getting cut, getting too hot, or anything that stresses the body. The best thing to do is to eliminate the dog from the gene pool ie. neutering or spaying the dog. The only way to control the mange is to use a topical on the dog to get rid of the mites initially and then use the ivermectin to to help control future outbreaks. The usual dosage for dogs to prevent heartworms is 1/10 ml per 10 lbs of bodyweight orally, you can use the same dosage rate only administer the mess sub q instead of orally. Controlling the mange is easy, it is gettiat ng it under control initially that is hard. A product called My-Stock, which I believe is sulphur based, works pretty well to get the mange under control. I would also let the breeder know that your dog has demodectic mange and if he /she doesn't already know, explain to them that it is hereditary and that he should really find out which of his dogs are the carriers of it. In all honesty the breeder probably knows about it and this is probably not the first time it has popped up. I had to deal with this about ten or so years ago and decided that the best thing to do was cull/eliminate from the gene pool any dog that had shown it regardless of how much it was. JMHO