RECENT POSTS

Ask the Expert on Red Mange

May 2nd, 2009

The Question:

Name: Judy Buttine
Pets species and breed: German Shepherd
Pets age and weight: 4.5 months, 30 lbs
Pets health status: good
Are they spayed or neutered? No
Brand of food: orijins
Animal owned for: 6 wks

“We’re feeding our 4 1/2 month old German Shepherd your puppy food which she loves. She was recently diagnosed with red mange which started on her head and has spread around her face and eyes. The vet put her on Goodwinol which I’ve been putting on her once a day. Do you have any suggestions on anything else we can do to help her?”

Thanks you!

The Answer:

“Thanks for the question. Red mange (also known as demodectic mange) is a common skin disease of young dogs. Hair loss is the most common sign of red mange, however, crusty red skin or skin with a greasy appearance are also frequently seen. These areas may or may not itch. Hair loss and other skin abnormalities usually begins around the muzzle, eyes and other areas on the head. Mange can be localized or generalized.

Localized mange is most frequent on the head and forelegs of young dogs (usually 3-6 months old). Most of these areas resolve spontaneously (without treatment) as the puppies become older and develop immunity to mange mites. Red mange can also be generalized in which the skin abnormalities can be severe and affect the whole body. Some dogs with generalized mange will become quite sick with lethargy, loss of appetite, and require close medical treatment and monitoring.

The good news is that most cases of red mange are localized and may resolve spontaneously or with a topical treatment. A topical 1% rotenone ointment (Goodwinol) or a 5% benzoyl peroxide gel applied daily are usually very effective at treating localized mange. It is also recommended that affected dogs are fed a high quality diet, given a multivitamin and fatty acid supplement and bathed weekly with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo. Sometimes these areas become infected and need therapy with an antibiotic in order to clear up completely. If the areas don’t seem to be responding, ask your veterinarian about the need for an antibiotic.

If these localized skin abnormalities seem to be spreading, contact your veterinarian immediately as the mange may be becoming more generalized and require more extensive treatment. For more information on generalized red (demodectic) mange, see http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2101&aid=729.”

Good Luck!
Dr. Donna Spector

Tags: health, red mange
Posted in K9 Care, K9 Expert Question | No Comments »