Demodex Red Mite Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs is a microscopic skin mite that is mostly found in bulldog puppies. The adult version is less common, and its clinical appearance is often dramatic, and more challenging to treat.
Demodex Red Mite Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs TYPES
Demodex Red Mite Mange is categorized in the literature into two types:
- LOCALIZED DEMODICOSIS: bulldog puppy (Juvenile) Demodex mite type
- GENERALIZED DEMODICOSIS: bulldog adult Demodex mite type
BULLDOG DEMODEX LOCALIZED JUVENILE PUPPY FORM
Puppy demodicosis / CAUSE:
IMMUNE INCOMPETENT: The “localized” red mite form, also known as “puppy demodicosis” or “juvenile demodicosis,” is usually the result of your bulldog or French bulldog puppy’s immature immune system.
Bulldog Juvenile Demodex is self-limited and of short duration.
Puppy Demodicosis / PRESENTATION:
The most common skin presentation of a bulldog puppy with localized demodicosis is single or multiple non-itchy patches of lost hair.
Puppy Demodicosis / PREVENTION & TREATMENT:
Bulldog Localized Juvenile Demodox can often be resolved with non-prescription
BULLDOG DEMODEX GENERALIZED ADULT FORM:
Adult Bulldog Demodicosis CAUSE
IMMUNE COMPROMISED: In contrast to the puppy-localized bulldog demodicosis, the bulldog red mite “generalized” form, also known as bulldog “adult demodicosis,” is usually the result of an underlying immune-compromised disease.
These bulldogs are typically immune suppressed due to an underlying medical condition such as:
- HORMONAL IMBALANCE
- METABOLIC DISEASE
- CHRONIC STRESS
- MALNOURISHMENT
Adult Bulldog Demodicosis PRESENTATION:
The clinical presentation of adult generalized bulldog demodicosis is often severe, diffuse dermatitis with secondary bacterial and yeast infection.
Adult Bulldog Demodicosis / PREVENTION & TREATMENT:
In contrast to the puppy form, the treatment for this form usually requires prescription medication in addition to supplements and medicated therapeutic topicals.
Demodex Red Mite Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / DIAGNOSIS:
Demodicosis is diagnosed by the clinical presentation and by a positive microscopic finding.
Demodex Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PUPPY VS. ADULT FORM
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE DISTRIBUTION:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: LOCALIZED
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: GENERALIZED
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION DURATION:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: SHORT (months, until maturity)
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: LONG-LASTING (years)
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION CAUSE:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: IMMUNE INCOMPETENT (immature immune system)
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: IMMUNE SUPPRESSED (a compromised immune system often due to an underlying disease or immune suppressant rx).
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION INTENSITY:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: MILD, NON-ITCHY, NO PYODERMA
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: SEVERE DERMATITIS, OFTEN ITCHY (often present with secondary bacteria and yeast infections).
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION DIAGNOSIS:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: SKIN SCRAPE
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: SKIN SCRAPE plus LAB WORK and IMAGING (to figure out the underlying disease).
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION THERAPY:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: MOSTLY NON-RX THERAPEUTIC TOPICAL & SUPPLEMENTS
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: THERAPEUTIC TOPICAL & SUPPLEMENTS, as well as PRESCRIPTION RX
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION PROGNOSIS:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: VERY GOOD
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: DEPENDS ON UNDERLYING IMMUNE SUPPRESSANT CONDITION
Demodex in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PREVENTION & TREATMENT:
BULLDOG DEMODEX PREVENTIVE
Bulldog Flea Preventive BRAVECTO
There are a few flea preventatives that can also help prevent bulldog Demodex
Bulldog and French Bulldog Therapeutic Preventive IMMUNE SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTS:
A daily oral immunomodulator supplement to help boost the immune system can reduce both bulldog juvenile and adult Demodex
Bulldog Therapeutic Preventive CALM & STRESSLESS SUPPLEMENTS:
- V4B Bully Pre & Probiotics to help stabilize and improve your bulldog’s immune system.
- V4B Bully StressLess & Calming natural botanical chews
I also advise for a:
- Stress-free environment
- Intestinal parasite control
- Flea control
- A high-quality diet
BULLDOG DEMODEX TREATMENT
- IVERMECTIN: An estimated duration of a 3-month daily dose of oral Ivermectin to help eliminate the red Demodex mites.
- ANTIBIOTICS: At times, a course of anti-microbials to treat secondary skin infections.
- FLEA PREVENTIVE: like Bravecto can help treat bulldog demodex mite infection
Bulldog and French Bulldog Therapeutic Preventive TOPICAL:
MEDICATED SHAMPOO & GEL:
A weekly, or biweekly, bath with a hair follicle flushing and antiseptic/fungal medicated shampoo like Dr. Kraemer’s:
- V4B Antiseptic Yeasty Bully Waterless Gel
- V4B Bully Yeasty Skin Antiseptic Medicated Shampoo
- V4B bully Oatmeal After Shampoo Conditioner
Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bulldog Demodex RULE OF THUMB:
In 30 years of practice, I have seen only a handful of cases of generalized adult demodicosis in non-bulldog breeds.
On the other hand, I diagnose and treat bulldogs French bulldog puppies, and adult forms of Demodex mites daily.
Often those bulldogs are stressed, abused, and malnourished many others are well-cared for, privately-owned bulldogs.
I believe that there is a genetic predisposition of bulldogs to contract these mites.
Demodex in Bulldogs and French bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS:
Below are a few selective demodex tips & warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer
Bulldog Demodex Mite NON-CONTAGIOUS TIP:
The bulldog Demodex canis red mites are not considered to be contagious to your other pets, kids, and other family members.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite GENETICS TIP:
Demodicosis is much more common in bulldogs than in most other dog breeds. We believe that there is a genetically inherent predisposition.
Bulldog Demodex LAB TESTS TIP:
If your bulldog was diagnosed with general adult demodicosis, you should consider running some general diagnostic tests to rule out an underlying immune suppressant disease like
- hypothyroidism
- hyper-adrenal disease
- chronic parasitic infestation.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite STEROIDS TIP:
If your bulldog was diagnosed with demodicosis, the medical records should be reviewed to determine if any immune suppressant drugs, like steroids (cortisone), have been used recently.
Demodex Mite SCRAPING & EXAM:
Your bulldog puppy should have additional scrapings examined to monitor the response to therapy every few weeks. I usually recommend two negative scrapings done a few weeks apart before saying that the clinical condition is resolved.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite SUPPLEMENTS TIP:
Even after your bulldog is clinically improved and taken off the ivermectin, I usually recommend continuing immune booster supplements like
- Bully V4B Immune Support
- V4B Bully fish oil EFA Chews
- V4B Bully Skin & Coat Tab
Bulldogs Demodex Mite / BRAVECTO:
There exist several flea control treatments, such as Bravecto, which have demonstrated some efficacy in managing red mites as well. Whenever I encounter cases of demodicosis, I initiate treatment with these flea control medications and maintain their use consistently throughout the year, even once the condition has been successfully addressed.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite IVERMECTIN TIP:
To minimize potential adverse reactions when administering ivermectin, I consistently begin with the lowest dosage. If your bulldog exhibits no adverse effects, I gradually escalate the dosage every 7 days.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite ITCHING TIP:
Most bulldogs with juvenile puppy demodicosis are not itchy, at least not early on.
They typically present with only focal or multifocal baldness, sometimes with additional scaling and redness.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Warning #1 RELAPSE:
Due to the underlying disease associated with the generalized form of bulldog demodicosis, relapses after discontinuation of the treatment are not uncommon, this therapy might be necessary for an extended period.
Demodex Mite STEROIDS WARNING:
Given that demodicosis, a red mite skin disease arises from a compromised immune system, it’s crucial to refrain from administering any immune suppressant medications to your bulldog.
One of the most prevalent errors I encounter in my practice involves bulldogs whose symptoms were mistakenly diagnosed as “allergic dermatitis” and were subsequently treated with injected or prescribed steroids (cortisones) for itch control.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite GENETICS WARNING:
If your adult female or male bulldog has been diagnosed with demodicosis skin mites, it’s advisable to contemplate neutering or spaying them. This is because we suspect there is a genetically inherited predisposition to the disease.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite IVERMECTIN WARNING:
The use of ivermectin is forbidden in some breeds like collies, shelties, and Australian shepherds due to high-risk, life-threatening, adverse effects. In bulldogs, adverse effects are rare and limited in their severity when usage is stopped on time.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite SIDE EFFECTS WARNING:
It’s important to be acquainted with the potential adverse effects of ivermectin. While they are uncommon, when present, they typically include symptoms such as nausea, wobbliness, stumbling, fatigue, and lethargy. In rare instances, temporary blindness may occur. However, once ivermectin therapy is discontinued, all of these adverse effects are reversible.
In my experience, I have never encountered any long-lasting side effects resulting from treatment with ivermectin.
Demodex Mite TREATMENT DURATION:
In cases of severe demodicosis, such as the generalized adult form, I advise continuing the medications for a minimum of three months.
Owner compliance is paramount to prevent relapse and the development of drug resistance.
Demodex Mite INFECTION WARNING:
It’s essential to remember that in addition to eradicating the mites, addressing secondary bacterial skin infections is vital. It’s also important to ensure that there are no concurrent diseases that could impair your bulldog’s ability to respond to treatment,
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