Bulldog Mange: Demodectic Mange
Bulldog mange is a common problem when they are between 3 months to 1 year of age. Demodectic mange is known by some common names including red mange, pustular mange, and puppy mange.
The disease is caused by a cigar-shaped mite that lives in the hair follicles of the skin. The presence of this mite in the hair follicle is normal, but when the immune system is suppressed, it can grow in large numbers and cause local inflammation and disruption of the hair growth cycle. Hair loss develops and the skin appears reddened.
Two distinct forms of the disease can occur. Localized demodectic mange occurs commonly in puppies and is characterized by small circular areas of hair loss on the face and front legs.
Generalized demodectic mange can develop in older dogs that do not recover from the localized form of the disease. Hair loss is generalized and the skin may become secondarily infected with bacteria.
Transmission of demodectic mange is occurs in young puppies during the first two to three days of life. All dogs, and even humans carry this mite in hair follicles so it is not considered to be contagious.
Bulldog Mange Treatments
Ivermectin, Milbemycin, Moxidectin, and Amitraz are the drugs commonly used to treat demodex. Therapy is directed at control of the mite, control of bacterial infections, and removal of stress conditions from the dog.
Vitamin E can be given as well to help with the immune system and help heal skin lesions.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good for all juvenile forms. For adult bulldog mange the prognosis is guarded.
