Treatment Options for Canine Demodectic Mange
Treating Dogs with Mange Skin Lesions Caused by Demodex Mites
Sep 11, 2009
Canine demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by a mite which lives within the hair follicles of a dog. The mite is known as Demodex and is a normal inhabitant, in small numbers, on the skin of healthy dogs. However, in the case of demodectic mange, the Demodex mites reproduce and cause skin disease.
Types of Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Demodectic mange is dogs may be localized or generalized. Most frequently seen in puppies and younger dogs, demodectic mange may be limited to one or more small areas of hair loss. However, in mature dogs, demodectic mange is generally more serious and most often secondary to other health issues which must be addressed in order to successfully resolve the mange lesions.
Treating Dogs for Demodectic Mange
In many cases, skin lesions resulting from demodectic mange may resolve without medical intervention. For this reason, treatment may not be recommended for all dogs with demodectic mange. Especially in cases involving puppies or young dogs with localized demodectic mange, benign neglect of demodectic mange skin lesions together with proper nutrition and treatment for any intestinal parasites may be the recommended treatment.
In cases where secondary skin infections have occurred, treatment of these infections will be necessary to successfully treat the pet as well. However, the ultimate aim of treating demodectic mange is to kill or control the mites causing the infection.
Amitraz – Using Mitaban® Dip to Treat Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Mitaban® dip is a chemical solution which contains a medication known as amitraz. Amitraz is a parasiticide medication which is effective in killing mites and other types of insects.
Mitaban® is approved for use in dogs and is generally used to treat generalized demodectic mange. However, Mitaban® dip is not recommended for dogs less than 4 months of age. Toy breeds may be at greater risk of developing side effects with the use of Mitaban® and the chemical should be used with caution in these breeds. Diabetic animals may also be predisposed to fluctuations in blood glucose levels with the use of Mitaban® dips.
Mitaban® must be diluted to the proper concentration before being applied to the pet. Generally, medium- and long-haired dogs must have their hair clipped before dipping with Mitaban®. A mild shampoo may be used before dipping with Mitaban® to cleanse the skin. Once the Mitaban® is applied to the skin, the pet should be allowed to dry without further intervention. Dogs dipped with Mitaban® should not be rinsed or dried with a towel.
Dogs being treated with Mitaban® should be observed carefully after dipping for signs of adverse effects.
Mitaban® dips are usually repeated every 14 days.
Amitraz – Using Promeris® in the Treatment of Canine Demodectic Mange
Promeris® is a topical parasiticide most commonly used to control fleas and ticks in dogs. However, Promeris® is also approved for the treatment of demodectic mange in dogs as well. As with Mitaban®, the active ingredient in Promeris® which is effective in killing Demodex mites is amitraz.
Promeris® is used topically on a once monthly basis. However, in severe cases of demodectic mange, many veterinarians recommend applying the medication every two weeks. When used more often than monthly, treatment with Promeris® is considered off-label.
Promeris® has the advantage of being much easier to apply than Mitaban® dips and may also be safer with less risk of side effects in many dogs, although side effects similar to those seen with Mitaban® are possible with Promeris® as well. However, some dogs may have a better clinical response to Mitaban® than to Promeris®.
Ivermectin in the Treatment of Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Ivermectin is another medication which is commonly used to treat demodectic mange in dogs. While most pet owners are familiar with ivermectin as a heartworm preventive medication, when used in treating demodectic mange, ivermectin is used at a much higher dosage. Because of the higher dosage, treating demodectic mange with ivermectin is an off-label usage of the medication.
Many veterinarians recommend starting ivermectin at a lower dosage and gradually increasing the dosage into the target range in an attempt to avoid adverse reactions to the medication. Ivermectin is generally not recommended in treating Collies and similar breeds of dogs due to an increased susceptibility to side effects in these breeds.
When to Stop Treating Demodectic Mange
Demodectic mange is generally considered resolved when two consecutive skin scrapings done at 14 day intervals are found to be free of living mites. Treatment for demodectic mange should be continued until this goal is reached.
Periods of stress may cause a flare of symptoms of demodectic mange. Immune-suppressive medications, such as glucocorticoids, should also be avoided in dogs diagnosed with demodectic mange and are contraindicated in the treatment of demodectic mange.
Treatment of Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Mild cases of canine demodectic mange may not require treatment. However, for more severe cases, there are a number of treatment options, which include amitraz, in the form of Mitaban® dips or Promeris®, or high dosages of ivermectin.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
