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Where We Make Your Pets Feel At Home!
Sherry A. Torregrossa, DVM
Specializing in Laser Surgery
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4202 Jeffco Blvd,
Arnold, MO 63010
Phone: 636.464.1038
Fax: 636.464.0734
www.stlanimalhouse.com
Demodicosis (red mange) is a skin disease caused by a small mite not visible to the
naked eye. This mite lives down in the root of the hair. All normal dogs have a
small population of mites, but only certain animals will get a disease from mite
overgrowth. In some cases, the tendency to develop demodectic mange runs in
families.
The disease is seen in two forms in dogs. There is a localized form where only small
areas of the skin are affected, and a generalized form where the majority of the body
and/or the feet are involved. Symptoms include loss of hair and reddening of the
skin. Affected areas may be scabby, crusty and sometimes itchy. Skin infections due
to damage by the mite are common. Skin infections can become so severe that they
threaten a dog's life, with ulcers, swelling and fever. Juvenile-onset generalized demodicosis is a familial
disease and affected dogs and their parents should not be bred. Diagnosis of demodectic mange is made by
examining debris from deep skin scrapings under the microscope. Dogs with generalized disease also require
further testing for underlying health problems.
Treatment of demodectic mange depends on the patient's age and the severity of the disease. In the localized
form, the dog may heal on its own. Many times a cream or gel will be used to aid in healing. It is important that
dogs with the localized form be observed for a worsening of the condition or spread to other areas. Dogs that
are intended for breeding should be observed without treatment to be sure the generalized form does not
develop. Infrequently the topical medication may cause the affected areas to look worse before the areas begin
to heal. If there is a skin infection, antibiotics will be needed.
Dogs with generalized demodicosis may require intensive treatment with amitraz (Mitaban®) dips or oral
medications. If there is a skin infection, antibiotics will be needed.
Mitaban dip is the only FDA-approved drug for this disease. WHOLE BODY CLIPPING is required throughout
treatment so that the dip solution can reach the mite down in the hair follicle. Dips are usually preceded by a
medicated shampoo to fight infection. The Mitaban is packaged in individual dosing vials of concentrate that is
diluted in water just prior to application. Side effects of Mitaban can be encountered, especially in small dogs,
including: sedation; decrease in body temperature; loss of appetite; vomiting; and diarrhea. Treatment with an
antidote, yohimbine, can be used to decrease the severity of some side effects. Dips are usually applied either
weekly or every two weeks according to the veterinarian's prescription. We generally recommend that dips be
applied by grooming technicians in the veterinarian's hospital.
If no severe side effects are seen, treatment will be continued until repeated skin scrapes reveal no mange mites
(typically 6 to 9 treatments) and for one more month after that. Scrapings will be performed every 2 to 4 weeks
to evaluate response to treatment. Occasionally, another form of amitraz (Taktic®) is chosen because of lack of
availability of Mitaban (but it is not an approved formulation). Different dilution instructions are required for
Taktic.
Ivermectin or Milbemycin Treatment: Some dogs are very sensitive to amitraz and others do not respond even
after months of therapy. For these dogs, veterinary dermatologists often turn to extra-label use of oral
parasiticides that can be used for generalized demodicosis. Ivermectin is available as a cattle worming agent
(Ivomec® and generics) and milbemycin is available as a heartworm preventive pill (Interceptor®) for dogs.
At high daily dosages, these can be used to treat generalized demodicosis successfully in a majority of cases.
NOTE: Some Collies and other English breed herding dogs such as Australian shepherds, Border collies,
Shelties, and Old English Sheepdogs have a nervous system sensitivity to high dose ivermectin; they should not
be treated with this drug except in unusual circumstances and under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, who
will build up to the needed dose slowly. For mixed breed dogs of unknown lineage, the ivermectin rule is
"White feet, don't treat!"
Neutering
At our hospital, our policy is that all generalized demodicosis patients be neutered as soon as their disease is
under control. This is in the best interest for your dog since stress (breeding, heat cycles) can cause recurrence
of the disease. This policy is intended to reduce the incidence of this hereditary disease in purebred dogs.
Animals with localized demodicosis have a good prognosis with proper care. As the severity of the disease
increases, the prognosis worsens. Some dogs with generalized mange must have regular treatment for the rest of
their lives while others may be cured after a variable number of months of treatment.
In all cases it is important to keep your pet as healthy and stress free as possible, including a good nutritional
diet, regular checkups, routine deworming and heartworm prevention.
Treatment for your Pet
(your veterinarian will provide specific details)
1) - Amitraz therapy:
Medicated shampoo ____ to be used the day before the MitabanR dip is scheduled.
No bathing at any other time is allowed.
MitabanR dip: ____ in hospital; ____ at home. Dip every ______ days. Please make appointment for a drop-off
for the day for in hospital dips. If dipping at your home or your local veterinarian's clinic, please make a recheck
appointment at LSU after _____ dips.
DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO BECOME WET IN-BETWEEN DIPPINGS. Please call if any side effects
from the dip are seen.
2) - Ivermectin therapy:
Give _____mls of liquid ivermectin (Ivomec®) by mouth once a day. It may be mixed with soft food or a treat,
but be sure the entire dose is ingested. Skin scrapes are scheduled once a month in a drop-off morning
appointment. Please make a recheck appointment for skin scrapes on ______________________. Ivermectin
may cause neurological side effects in some dogs: wobbly gait, disorientation, change of personality, and
occasionally vomiting. If you see any of these problems, discontinue the drug and call us the next business day.
You should discontinue using monthly heartworm medications throughout your dog's ivermectin therapy for
demodex.
3) - Milbemycin therapy:
Give _____ tablets (Interceptor®) daily with food. These may be disguised in soft food or treats, but be sure the
entire dose is ingested. Skin scrapes are scheduled once a month in a drop-off morning appointment. Please
make a recheck appointment for skin scrapes on ______________________. You should discontinue using
monthly heartworm medications throughout your dog's milbemycin therapy for demodex.
4) - Antibiotics:
Give ______ caps/tabs ______ times a day for ______ weeks.
Drug: _____________ Strength: __________
Please call for a refill or if any side effects are seen.