Demodex Red Mite Mange in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
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 forms types
- LOCALIZED DEMODICOSIS: bulldog puppy (Juvenile) Demodex mite type
- GENERLIZED DEMODICOSIS: bulldog adult Demodex mite type
BULLDOG DEMODEX LOCALIZED JUVENILE PUPPY FORM
Bulldog and Fr. bulldog 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 and French bulldog puppy’s immature immune system.
Bulldog Juvenile Demodex is self-limited and of short duration.
Bulldog and Fr. bulldog 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.
Bulldog and Fr. bulldog puppy demodicosis PREVENTION & TREATMENT
Bulldog Localized Juvenile Demodox can often be resolved with non-prescription supplements and topical therapeutics.
BULLDOG DEMODEX GENERALIZED ADULT FORM:
Bulldog and Fr. bulldog adult demodicosis CAUSE
IMMUNE COMPROMISED: In contrast to the puppy-localized bulldog demodicosis, the bulldog red mite “generalized” form, also known as a 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
Bulldog and Fr. bulldog adult demodicosis PRESENTATION:
Clinical presentation of the adult generalized bulldog demodicosis is often severe, diffuse dermatitis with secondary bacterial and yeast infection.
Bulldog and Fr. bulldog adult 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 red mite skin disease in bulldogs is diagnosed by the clinical presentation and a positive microscopic finding from a skin sample that was acquired from the patient.
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 and French 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 and 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.
Dr. Kraemer’s Demodex in Bulldogs and French bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS:
BULLDOG DEMODEX MANGE RED MITE TIPS:
Bulldog Demodex Mite Tip #1 NON-CONTAGIOUS:
The bulldog Demodex canis red mites are NOT considered to be contagious to your other pets, kids, and other family members.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Tip #2 GENETICS:
Demodicosis is much more common in bulldogs than in most other dog breeds. We believe that there is a genetically inherent predisposition.
Bulldog Demodex Tip #3 LAB TESTS:
If your bulldog was diagnosed with general adult demodicosis, you should consider running some general diagnostic tests in order to rule out an underlying immune suppressant disease like hypothyroidism, hyper-adrenal disease, chronic parasitic infestation, etc.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Tip #4 STEROIDS:
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.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite#5 R/C SCRAPING & R/C EXAM:
Your bulldog puppy should have additional scrapings examined in order 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 Tip #6 SUPPLEMENTS:
Even after your bulldog is clinically improved and taken off the ivermectin, I usually recommend continuing immune boosters supplements like Dr. Kraemer’s Bully V4B Immune Support and V4B Bully fish oil EFA Chews for a few additional months.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Tip #8 BRAVECTO:
There are a few flea control preventatives, like Bravecto, that have shown some ability to also control the red mite. I always start demodicosis cases on those flea control medications and continue using them year-round, even after the condition has been resolved.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Tip #9 IVERMECTIN:
To avoid adverse effects when treating with ivermectin, I always start at the lowest dosage. If your bulldog has shown no adverse effects, I will incrementally increase the dosage every 7 days.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Tip #10 ITCH:
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.
BULLDOG DEMODEX MANGE RED MITE WARNINGS:
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.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Warning #2 STEROIDS:
Because demodicosis red mite skin disease is due to an immune system that is compromised, you should avoid treating your bulldog with any immune suppressant drugs.
The most common mistakes I see in my practice are bulldogs whose symptoms were misdiagnosed as “allergic dermatitis” and injected or prescribed steroids (cortisones) for itch control.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Warning #3 GENETICS:
If your adult female or male bulldog was diagnosed with demodicosis skin mites, you should consider neutering or spaying them since we believe that there is a genetically inherited predisposition to the disease.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Warning #4 IVERMECTIN:
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 in a timely manner.
Bulldogs Demodex MiteWarning #5 SIDE EFFECTS:
You should be familiar with the adverse effects of ivermectin. Even though they are rare, when observed they most often manifest as nausea, wobbliness, stumbling, tiredness, and lethargy. I have seen a case of temporary blindness. All of the above adverse effects are reversed once the ivermectin therapy is stopped. I have never seen a long-lasting side effect due to treatment with ivermectin.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Warning #6 DURATION:
In a severe case, such as the generalized adult demodicosis form, I recommend continuing the medications for a minimum of three months. Owner compliance is critical in order to avoid relapse and drug resistance.
Bulldogs Demodex Mite Warning #7 INFECTION:
Remember, besides the eradication of the mites, it is vital to address the secondary bacterial skin infections and ensure that no concurrent diseases exist that could impair your bulldog’s ability to respond to treatment.
” An Ounce of PREVENTION Is Worth a Pound of CURE”
*This guide was compiled courtesy of Dr. Kraemer, a “MUST READ” manual for any current or future bully owner.