Available for adoption thru
New York Boxer Rescue

• 9/24/01 - No longer accepting applications.

• 9/21/01 - My name is Joe and I am a 6 month old fawn puppy. My humans stopped their car and put me out on the road to fend for myself. I was lucky and someone stopped and picked me up. Boxer Rescue found out and came to get me. I am being treated for Demodex Mange. It is NOT catching and I will be fine. I can go to a permanent home anytime. I like other dogs, cats, and kids of all ages. If you would like me to join your family please fill out an online application and e-mail the contact below. Please include your name, city and state in your e-mail.

   

  Demodectic Mange in Dogs

  Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Two different types of mange mites are significant in dogs. One type lives just under the surface of the skin, while the other type resides in the hair follicles. Although both types of mites share some similar characteristics, there are also important differences. It is important not to confuse the two types of mange because they have different causes, treatments, and prognoses. Demodectic mange, sometimes just called "demodex," is the most common form of mange in dogs. It is caused by the demodectic mange mite, a parasite which lives in the hair follicles of affected dogs. Under the microscope, this mite appears shaped like an alligator with 8 legs. All dogs (and many humans) have a few of these mites on their skin. As long as the body's immune system is functioning, these mites cause no harm.

  Contributing Factors

  A dog with demodectic mange usually comes from a litter containing other

  affected puppies. This is because development of the immune system is under genetic control. Owners of littermates should be put on the alert to watch for it. Because the disease is due to a genetic defect, affected dogs should not be bred. Also, parents of the affected dog should not be bred again.

  Prevalence

  Demodectic mange is a common parasitic skin disease of dogs. It is primarily seen in dogs less than one year of age.

  Causes/Transmission

  Demodectic mange most often occurs when a dog has an immature immune system, allowing the mites to grow rapidly. Consequently, this disease occurs primarily in dogs less than 12-18 months of age. In most cases, the immune system matures as a dog grows. When we see the disease in adult dogs, we can usually make the assumption that the dog has a defective immune systems. Since the mite is found on virtually all dogs, exposure of a normal dog to one with demodectic mange is not dangerous. The other type of mange, called sarcoptic mange, is highly contagious between dogs.

  Clinical Signs

  Surprisingly, a dog with demodectic mange does not itch severely, even though it loses hair in patches. Areas of bare skin will be seen. When there are only a few patches of hair loss, it is termed localized demodectic mange. If the disease spreads to many areas of the skin, it becomes generalized demodectic mange.

  Treatment

  The localized form is usually treated with topical medication. The

  generalized form requires shampoo therapy and a special dip or oral

  medication.

  Prognosis

  Treatment of the localized form is generally successful. Treatment of the

  generalized form is also usually

  successful.

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