What Is Red Mange?

Demodex, also known as Red Mange, Demodicosis or just Demodex is a skin condition caused by a mite.

It's usually not a problem for a young, healthy bulldog and it won't bother them. However, very young puppies or older dogs can run into problems if the condition gets a hold.

This is because very young puppies and older dogs can have a suppressed immune system, which lowers their resistance to infection. If the immune system isn't working properly the dog can't fight off the effects of the mites.

The good news is that it cannot be transmitted to humans or between dogs.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The mite lives in the hair folicles and in a healthy dog it has no effect at all. If the dog is off color, is fighting off an infection and/or has a chronic health condition their immune system is compromised, leaving them open to a red mange outbreak.

The vet can diagnose it very quickly by taking a simple skin scrape from the affected area. The sample is then examined under a microscope where mites in their various stages can be seen.

What Are The Symptoms?

Puppies very often get it from their mothers when they suckle. That's why it's very common for them to have it on their faces or front paws.

Because a puppy has not had time to build up immunity it is vulnerable to Demodex. It's really important to make sure that you take preventative measures to keep the pup free of worms and parasites, as these can suppress immunity. This then leaves the mites free to grow and cause red mange

The symptoms vary from dog to dog. Sometimes there's only a tiny place, with no hair, that looks like a scratch. Other times there's a much larger bare patch. The patches can be on any part of the body.

If there are no underlying health problems or secondary infection then generally your English Bulldog will not scratch.

If the dog IS scratching this could indicate that there's a secondary infection, so you should take your pet along to see the vet. Scabs, crusting, itching and scratching are usually a sign of a secondary infection and need to be treated promptly.

If your dog is old then you should take this condition seriously. Because it tends to affect dogs who are a bit "run down" because of old age or illness then it can be an indication of something more far-reaching. Don't neglect it, get it looked at by the vet.

How Is It Treated?

Younger dogs can often get away with little or no treatment. For older dogs though, treatment will resolve it faster and prevent it from getting worse. Because they're older they take longer to heal, so treating it sooner rather than later will help your furry friend to stay comfortable and happy.

Your vet will be happy to discuss the various treatment options available. These range from ointments, dips and washes through to antibiotics to treat an underlying secondary infection.

For young dogs the prognosis is very good. For older pets there are sometimes underlying causes that will need to be found and treated before the red mange can be relieved.