Is Demodex Red Mite Genetic in Bulldogs
Dear Dr. Kraemer
I a 4.5 Month English bulldog that was diagnosed with demodex mange today. Our personal vet suggested to not breed our bulldog, as this can be considered genetic. Would you agree?
Do you agree with her saying to not breed her?
When is The Best Time To Breed My Bulldog
if so, is the best time to spay my bulldog is at 6 months, and is there anything we can expect from spaying (ex: weight gain)?
Many thanks,
Tony
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 3 years ago
Answer for Spaying a Bulldog Puppy with Demodex Mites
Dear Tony
Demodex mites can be randomly found in any normal, healthy bulldog, even one that exhibits no clinical problems.
Demodex Mange in Bulldog Puppies
When a bulldog does exhibit clinical problems, it is typically in the form of non-itchy, patchy hair loss, and it is usually due to an underlying immune incompetency common to puppies.
Demodex Mites Due To Immune Suppression
Immune suppression is often due to:
- DRUGS: immunosuppression drugs like a steroid (prednisone) and immune incompetency.
- IMMUNE INCOMPETENCE: The insufficiency of the immune system is frequently attributable to an immune system that has not fully matured, as is likely the situation in the positive demodex detection in your young and developing puppy.
Bulldog Puppy Demodex Mite GENETICS
Bulldogs exhibit a higher susceptibility to Demodex mites compared to many other breeds, suggesting a potential underlying genetic predisposition.
Nevertheless, this is less about “breed genetics” and more about your puppy young AGE.
Bulldog Puppy JUVENILE FOCAL DEMODOCOSIS:
Puppy demodicosis, or “juvenile localized demodicosis,” is generally a brief condition with limited medical and health consequences. It typically manifests as localized, patchy, and itchy hair loss in specific areas of the body.
The mild nature of juvenile demodex usually resolves as the puppy’s immune system matures over the course of a few months.
Bulldog Adult GENERAL DEMODOCOSIS:
Unlike the juvenile, mild, short-term, non-itchy puppy variant, the adult type is characterized by severity, itchiness, and frequent bacterial and yeast infections.
The adult type requires aggressive, costly treatment, and it can linger for a long time despite our best efforts.
The generalized demodex type is usually diagnosed in adult mature bulldogs and is due to a depressed immune system
Identifying the underlying cause can pose a challenge, and the prognosis is often less favorable and requires prolonged treatment.
BULLDOG ADULT FORM DEMODEX WARNING:
Paradoxically, medical teams frequently misdiagnose generalized Demodex by confusing it with common allergies, yeast, and bacterial infections. In such instances, it’s not unusual for them to prescribe or administer a steroid (cortisone) to alleviate the itch.
It’s important to note that all cortisones act as immune suppressants, exacerbating the issue rather than resolving it.
Should I Breed or Spay a Bulldog Puppy Diagnosed with Demodex
Your puppy, Demodex, is more likely to have something to do with its young age and incompetent immune system than the breed’s genetic propensity to Demodex.
On the other hand, I would not breed or recommend spaying or neutering bulldogs with the adult chronic generalized form
Bulldog or French Bulldog Puppy with Demodex Mites PREVENT & TREAT
Stress suppresses the immune system as well as parasite infestation, poor quality diet, and anxiety
DEMODEX BULLDOG THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS
STRESS & ANXIETY:
Reducing stress and anxiety will help optimize the immune system. if needed, you can add therapeutic natural supplements like:
QUALITY NUTRITION
Make sure that the puppy is on a balanced-quality “puppy diet.” If needed, you can boost it with
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Boost your pup’s immune system by adding an immune support supplement like
DEMODEX BULLDOG THERAPEUTIC TOPICALS
MEDICATED SHAMPOO:
Your bully demodex red mite resides deep in the hair follicle. There are often secondary infections such as bacteria and yeast.
You will need to bathe him with a follicular flushing antiseptic shampoo like
- “V4B Yesty Bully Medicated Shampoo” 1-2 a week with 10 minutes of contact before the rinse
BULLDOG DEMODEX FLEA PREVENTIVE:
You can use some flea preventives that are effective against the Demodex mite. Most of them require once a month or once every three months oral or topical application
BULLDOG DEMODEX RX
For more serious cases, you might need to add a few months of daily oral ivermectin.
Demodex in Bulldog and French Bulldog Puppies PROGNOSIS
You should see improvement within 2-3month with all the hair growing back and the problem is gone (neg scrape)
Spaying a 4.5-month-old English Bulldog Puppy
Regarding your spay question, please read my article HERE
Good Luck
Dr. Kraemer, Vet4Bulldog
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