Demodectic Mange, Canine - contd.
There are two types of demodicosis -- localized, meaning confined to a few specific areas of the skin, and generalized, in which the mites have spread all over the body. Each type has a different set of signs or symptoms.
Localized demodicosis occurs most often in young puppies six months old or younger. The mites usually will appear on the front legs and face, and the effects of their presence will be fairly mild. Hair loss is a common symptom, and in the bald patches the skin may be red and scaly, and may or may not be itchy. Most cases heal without treatment and do not progress to generalized demodicosis.
Generalized demodicosis is far more severe than the localized form, especially when it starts when the dog is an adult of four or five years of age. Clinical signs begin with multiple areas of hair loss, scaling, and redness. These small areas get larger and progress to affect the entire body, causing severe irritation of the skin. Secondarily, severe bacterial infections that are often resistant to antibiotics commonly occur as a result of the demodicosis -- making treatment almost impossible. After a few months, the skin may become covered with infected, pus-filled, crusty, bloody sores. Because the dog's quality of life is usually so poor at this point, owners often elect euthanasia.
