Dear Dr. Kraemer 🩺, I hope you’re doing well! My 4-month-old French Bulldog, Soki, has a few patches of hair loss on her back. She doesn’t seem to be itching, and our other Frenchie is just fine. I read on your website that a certain red mite 🕷️is common in bulldog puppies. What should I do? ❤️
Thanks, Lora and Soki!🐾 #Fr.BulldogPuppy #FrenchieCare
Introduction To Skin Mites in French and English Bulldogs:
The Demodex red mite mange is a microscopic skin mite commonly found in bulldog puppies. In puppies, it often causes localized hair loss and typically resolves as they mature.
However, the adult form of this condition may indicate a genetic predisposition specific to bulldogs and is associated with underlying immune deficiencies. This form can be chronic, present with more severe symptoms, and may be more challenging to treat effectively.
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE 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 Red Mite 5 X MUST KNOW
- Demodex skin mites can present in puppies as a juvenile or as a generalized adult form.
- Juvenile demodex is mild, transient, and focal, the adult type is severe and chronic
- Demodex mites are secondary to incompetent, suppressed, or compromised immune system
- The adult form requires longer and more aggressive treatment that includes
- medicated degreasing antiseptic therapeutic bully topicals
- addressing the underlying immune suppression
- immune boosting therapeutics
- Prevention includes Dr. Kraemer’s Demodex Care Bully Bundles
Welcome to our “Prevention Over RX” Bulldog Community
What Causes Bulldog Puppy Juvenile Demodex Mite?
The “localized” red mite form, also known as
- “puppy demodicosis”
- “juvenile demodicosis,”
- “red manage puppy mites”
-bulldog puppies get Demodex mites from their mother through close contact, particularly during nursing. Their mom Demodex is a normal part of the skin’s microflora. In some cases, due to the puppy’s underdeveloped incompetent immune system, the mites can multiply excessively leading to the skin condition.
Bulldog Juvenile Demodex is usully self-limited and of short duration.
What are The Symptoms of Demodex in Bulldog Puppies?
The most common skin presentation of a bulldog puppy with localized demodicosis is single or multiple non-itchy patches of hair loss.
- Focal or Multifocal patchy hair loss
- Flaky
Bulldog Puppy Demodex Mange Mite PREVENT & TREAT:
Bulldog Bulldog-localized juvenile Demodox can often be prevented by boosting the immune system and avoiding stress and illness.
Treatment rarely requires prescription medication, the condition usually resolves as the puppy matures, and with the help of:
- quality diet
- calm stress-free environment
- bully therapeutics
BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE THERAPEUTICS:
Skin & Immune Boosting Bully Supplements:
- Bully Immune Support
- Bully Multivitamin
- Bully Fish Oil EFA
- Bully StressLess Chews
- Bully Skin & Coat DermaCare
Therapeutic Skin Topicals:
There are a few flea preventatives that can also help prevent bulldog Demodex
What Causes Adult Genrenlized Bulldog Demodecosis?
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 or immune suppressant drugs such as:
- Hormonal Disease
- Cushing Syndrome
- Hypothyroid
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Stress
- Malnourishment
- Steroid RX: steroids like prednisone are often used to manage allergies or inflammatory conditions
- Chemotherapy: treating cancer patients and autoimmune diseases
What are The Symptoms of Demodex in Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldogs?
In contrast to the mild transitory no itchy puppy demodicosis, the clinical presentation of adult generalized bulldog demodicosis is often severe, itchy, diffuse, and long-lasting with a secondary bacterial and yeast infection.
- Diffuse hair loss (baldness, alopecia)
- Discoloration, Redness
- Crusty, Flaky
- Smelly (odor) & Greasy
- Itchy
- Infected
Bulldog and French Bulldog Demodex Mange PREVENT & TREAT:
In contrast to the puppy-localized form, the adult-generalized form of bulldog demodicosis often requires more intensive treatment. Along with bully therapeutic supplements and medicated topicals, prescription medications are typically necessary to effectively manage the condition and address any underlying immune-compromising issues.
Prescription Medication
- Antibiotics: a course of antimicrobials might be required to treat secondary skin infections.
- Antifungal: to help treat secondary yeast infection
- Non-Steroidal Itch Control (anti histamine)
- Treating the underlying medical condition
- Ivermectin: An estimated duration of a 3-month daily dose of oral Ivermectin to help eliminate the red Demodex mites.
- Flea Preventives: like Bravecto can help treat bulldog demodex mite infection
- Deworming: to help treat the chronic parasitic problem
DEMODEX MITE TOPICAL THERAPEUTICS:
Bully topical therapeutics are a must-do requirement
- Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Medicated Shampoo
- Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Medicated Waterless Gel
- Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Spray
- ItchLess Spray
- Hypoallergenic Cream Rinse Conditioner
DEMODEX MITE THERAPEUTICS SUPPLEMENTS:
The bully therapeutics will help
- boost the suppressed compromised immune system
- Bully Immune Support
- Bully Multivitamin Formula
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Balance, and repair the skin barrier and microbiome
- Bully Skin & Coat DermaCare
- Bully Probiotic EZ
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce Itching
- Bully ItchLess Chew
A daily oral immunomodulator supplement to help boost the immune system can reduce both bulldog juvenile and adult Demodex
Demodex Mite Mange in Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldogs DIAGNOSIS
Demodicosis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical presentation and positive microscopic findings.
The diagnostic test is straightforward and cost-effective, involving a skin scrape of the suspected affected area. Since the mite lives deep within the hair follicle, the scrape needs to be deep enough to draw a drop of blood. The collected sample is then placed in a drop of oil and examined under a microscope.
The distinctive cigar-shaped mite can usually be seen even under a low-power lens, confirming the diagnosis.
CAN DEMDEX MITE BE CONFUSED WITH OTHER BULLDOG SKIN DISEASES?
Because Demodex symptoms can easily mimic other bulldog skin diseases, especially in the adult form, it is crucial to have a definitive diagnosis through a positive skin scrape. Other conditions to consider and rule out include:
- allergies
- sarcoptic mange
- yeast and bacteria dermatitis
Demodex Mange in Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldogs PUPPY versa ADULT FORM
Below is a summary that will help guide you with your diagnosis and the follow-up prevention and treatment:
1. BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE DISTRIBUTION:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: localized, focal
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: diffuse, generlized
2. DEMODEX SKIN MITE INFECTION DURATION:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: short-lasting (weeks, months, until maturity)
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: long-lasting (months, years)
3. DEMODEX MANGE 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).
4. DEMODEX MITE INFECTION INTENSITY:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: mild, non-itchy, no infection
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: severe infectious dermatitis, itchy (often present with secondary bacteria and yeast infections).
5. DEMODEX SKIN MITE INFECTION DIAGNOSIS:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: skin scrape
- Adult Bulldog Demodex:
- Skin Scrape
- Blood work
- Imaging (sometimes, to help figure out the underlying disease).
6. BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION THERAPY:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: mostly non-rx bully therapeutic topical & supplements
- Adult Bulldog Demodex:
- bully therapeutic topical & supplements
- prescription medication
7. BULLDOG DEMODEX MITE INFECTION PROGNOSIS:
- Puppy Bulldog Demodex: very good
- Adult Bulldog Demodex: depends on underlying medical condition
Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog Demodex RULE OF THUMB:
BULLDOG versus OTHER DOG BREEDS:
In my 30 years of practice, I’ve encountered only a handful of generalized adult demodicosis cases in non-bulldog breeds. However, I diagnose and treat both puppy and adult forms of Demodex mites in bulldogs and French Bulldogs.
While some are stressed, abused, or malnourished rescue bulldogs, a significant number are well-cared-for privately owned ones. The prevalence of Demodex in these breeds highlights the importance of vigilant care and timely intervention.
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
#1. DEMODEX NON-CONTAGIOUS TIP:
The bulldog Demodex canis red mites are not considered to be contagious to your other pets, kids, and other family members.
#2. BULLDOG DEMODICOSIS GENETICS TIP:
Demodicosis is much more common in bulldogs than in most other dog breeds. We believe that there is a genetically inherent predisposition.
#3. DEMODEX MITE LAB TEST TIP:
If your bulldog was diagnosed with general adult demodicosis, you should consider running some diagnostic screening tests to rule out an underlying immune suppressant disease like
- hypothyroidism
- hyper-adrenal disease
- chronic parasitic infestation.
#4. DEMODEX SKIN MITE AND 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.
#5. DEMODEXC MANGE SCRAPING & EXAM TIP:
Your bulldog puppy should have follow-up scrapings examined every few weeks to monitor the response to therapy. I typically recommend obtaining two negative scrapings, spaced a few weeks apart, before confirming that the clinical condition is fully resolved.
#6. PREVENTING DEMODEX WITH FLEA PREVENTIVE TIP
There are several flea control treatments, like Bravecto, that have shown some efficacy in managing red mites as well. Whenever I encounter cases of demodicosis, I start treatment with these flea control medications and continue their use consistently throughout the year, even after the condition has been successfully treated.
#7. TREATING DEMODEX WITH IVERMECTIN TIP:
To minimize potential adverse reactions when administering ivermectin, I always start with the lowest dosage. If your bulldog shows no adverse effects, I gradually increase the dosage every 7 days.
#8. DEMODEX 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.
#1. BULLDOG DEMODEX RELAPSE WARNING:
Due to the underlying disease associated with the generalized form of bulldog demodicosis, relapses after discontinuation of treatment are not uncommon. As a result, this therapy may be necessary for an extended period.
#2, 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 common mistakes I encounter in my practice involves bulldogs whose symptoms were mistakenly diagnosed as “allergic dermatitis” and subsequently treated with injected or prescribed steroids (cortisones) for itch control.
#3. BULLDOG DEMODICOSIS GENETICS WARNING:
If your adult female or male bulldog has been diagnosed with demodicosis (skin mites), it’s advisable to consider neutering or spaying them. This is because there may be a genetically inherited predisposition to the disease.
#4. IVERMECTIN WARNING:
The use of ivermectin is prohibited in certain breeds, such as Collies, Shelties, and Australian Shepherds, due to the high risk of life-threatening adverse effects. However, in bulldogs, adverse effects are rare and typically mild, especially when the treatment is discontinued promptly if any issues arise.
IVERMECTIN SIDE EFFECTS ON BULLDOGS
It’s important to be aware of the potential adverse effects of ivermectin. While they are uncommon, they may include symptoms such as nausea, wobbliness, stumbling, fatigue, and lethargy. In rare cases, temporary blindness can occur. Fortunately, all of these effects are reversible once ivermectin therapy is discontinued.
In my experience, I’ve never encountered any long-lasting side effects resulting from treatment with ivermectin.
#5. DEMODEX MITE TREATMENT DURATION WARNING:
For severe cases of demodicosis, like the generalized adult form, I recommend continuing treatment for at least three months. Owner compliance is crucial to prevent relapse and avoid the development of drug resistance.
#6. DEMODEX AND INFECTION WARNING:
It’s crucial to focus on eradicating the mites and addressing secondary bacterial skin infections. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that there are no underlying diseases that could impair your bulldog’s ability to respond effectively to treatment.
Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs
