Types of Demodectic Mange

• There are two types of demodectic mange, and treatment of the disease depends upon which your dog has. The first is the localized version. This usually effects dogs under one year of age and is diagnosed if your dog has less than five skin lesions. The lesions typically appear as thinning of the hair around the eyes, lips, mouth and front legs. Your dog may also have redness and scaling of the skin.
  
  The second type of demodectic mange is the generalized version. This is diagnosed when there are five or more lesions and they occur throughout the body. It can begin as localized mange and develop into the generalized form, or it can be a sign of an illness, such as cancer or endocrine or metabolic diseases.
  
  

Treatment of Localized Demodectic Mange

• About 90 percent of mange cases are of the localized variety and can usually be resolved by using topical treatments, such as shampoos or ointments. Veterinarians have had success with a 1 percent rotenone ointment called Goodwinol. Doctors also recommend that owners apply a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide ointment to their pets daily. Additionally, bathing your dog with a shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide and feeding him a high-quality diet, along with a multi-vitamin and fatty acid supplement, may be beneficial.
  
  

Treatment of Demodectic Mange

• Generalized demodectic mange requires a more aggressive treatment than its localized counterpart. While 30 to 50 percent of dogs who acquire this condition usually get better on their own, most veterinarians still recommend treatment. In order to rid your pet of these mites, dip her in an amitraz-based dip, usually called Mitaban. She needs to undergo the process about once every two weeks. Most dogs have four to 14 dips before completely cured.
  
  If your pet is not responding to the dips, she may need to take systemic medications such as Ivermectin, Mylbemicin oxime or Moxidectin. Ivermectin and Mylbemicin oxime are not licensed for the treatment of mange, but many veterinary dermatologists and veterinarians have had success using these medications. Most dogs undergo three months of treatment before the condition is resolved. Your veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary skin infection.
  
  Collies, shelties and Australian shepherds should not use Invermectin. These breeds have an increased potential of developing an adverse reaction to the drug, such as tremors, comas, seizures and death.