Q: My 4 ½ month old German Shepherd has been diagnosed with red mange. It started on her head and is spreading around her eyes. Do you have suggestions to help speed her recovery?

A: 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 (common human acne treatment) applied daily are usually very effective at treating localized mange. 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.

It is also recommended that affected dogs are fed a high quality natural diet, given a multivitamin and fatty acid supplement and bathed weekly with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo to speed their recovery.

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

This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under Ask a Vet, Dr Donna Spector, Pet Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.