Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic insect, a mite, which lives under the skin around hair shafts. The mite can be present in small numbers on healthy Pets and cause no problems.

For several reasons, often including immune system suppression, individual Pets may develop symptoms of mange that include:

• hair loss

• skin redness or swelling

• occasionally itching

• crusting

• secondary bacterial infection in the affected area(s)

Demodectic mange often appears around the eyes, over the top of the skull, or on the feet. Demodectic mange is not considered to be contagious under normal circumstances.

Mange is diagnosed by a combination of symptoms, examination findings, and laboratory testing. An important skin test, a "skin scraping," is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Mites can be observed microscopically in the test sample.

There are several treatment options. A veterinary prescribed multi-treatment bath/dip product is commonly used product for the treatment of demodectic mange. It is highly effective in most cases. Rare side effects or reactions to demodex treatment are possible. Be sure to consult the medical team. Several other treatments are available and may be used alone or in conjunction with a bath/dip. Multiple treatments are usually required to control mange. This is bath/dip product is best administered by the professionals at a veterinary hospital.

A small percentage of dogs may relapse and require repeated treatments. Due to a hereditary predisposition, it is recommended that Pets with generalized juvenile onset demodectic mange be spayed or neutered.

*** IMPORTANT POINTS

• Complete all prescribed medications as prescribed by your veterinarian.

• Additional skin testing by your veterinarian will be needed to confirm