Ask the Veterinarian - Mange and Immune Systems
lorihuntdvm March 23rd, 2008
Mange and Immune Systems
I am considering adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue situation. He was dumped off by a breeder who didn’t know how to or didn’t want to treat him. He is a 1 ½ year old and neutered. His foster mom told me that when he came into rescue he was cover in demodectic mange.
Since then he has been treated and doing very well. It basically all gone, hair has grown back, except she said he has to continue to getting scraped to make sure all the mites are dead.
Sound right to you?
I have researched a bit and learned that in puppies its unusually nothing to worry about but in adults it can be a red flag that there is an underlying health issue.
If it’s a weak immune system can that be treated? Is this something that could be big problems down the road?
Dr. Lori Writes -
Demodectic mange is not unusual in young puppies, and is usually just localized (less than 3 spots) and clears up on it’s own. However, when it becomes generalized, in several spots and requires a course of treatment to clear it up, it can signify a less than ideal immune system or an inherited predisposition to demodex.
The fact that he has recovered from it, shows that his system is not totally defunct. You may want to consider a reduced vaccination protocol or even titers until you are sure he is totally recovered. On occasion, during times of stress or illness they can experience a flare up. It will be something you may need to watch, but generally speaking, when I see dogs who have recovered from generalized demodex they lead quiet normal lives.
Lori Hunt, DVM
