The diagnosis of any skin disease is often difficult, because many different diseases share the same clinical signs. Thus following an established diagnostic protocol is very important when trying to differentiate dermatological conditions. First a thorough history should be taken, followed by a complete general physical examination. History and presentation are important tools in diagnosing skin disease as there are certain breeds that are more likely to present with certain skin diseases. Alot of veterinarians, keep a mental list of what breeds are the most likely to present with what disease. Age is another important factor in identifying skin problems, for example puppies are more prone to ear mites and demodex. How long has the animal had the condition, is it itchy, is there hair loss, are the lesions dry and flakey or are they moist with exudate and serum. Patterns of hair loss and the area where the lesions occur are also clues to what type of skin disease we are dealing with. Telling your veterinarian if there are any people or other pets affected with the same thing in the household is very important bit of information.

After your veterinarian does a completer history and physical exam which may include some blood test. The primary lesion is described, In the case of demodectic mange it is hair loss with pustules. Often times event though demodicosis is the primary cause for the malady, secondary bacterial and fungal infections will be present. To determine the diagnosis demodectic mange a skin scraping is necessary. I try to do multiple deep skin scrapings. This involves using the edge of a scalpel blades and scraping a sample of hair and skin aggressively enough to abrade the skin to bleeding is observed. This may sound extreme, but the demodectic mite lives deep within the hair follicle, sometime it is necessary to squeeze the skin while doing the skin scraping to force the mite to the surface to aid collection. The scraping is then placed in a drop of mineral oil on a microscope slide and examined microscopically. Skin scraping is not alway pain free and some dogs may require a mild sedative especially if the lesions around the face or eyes, as they often are.

Seeing more than one mite is diagnostic for demodectic mange. Demodex mites are longer than they are wide, and can be identified by the presence of legs and mouth parts.

There are several different options for the treatment of demodectic mange.  Lime sulfur rinses weekly for 4-8wks are recommended for the treatment of feline dedicosis.  Amitraz is effective against demodicosis.  THe adverse reactions associated wiht amitraz administration or application are bloat, bradycardia, hyperglycemia. hypotensions, hypeyothermia, polyuria, sedation, and vomiting.  Clipping the entire dog is to allow better contact of amitraz with the skin.  The person applying should wear appropriate protection to avoid skin contact.  Oral ivermectin is used in the tratment of demodicosis with good success.  Oral doses at weekly intervals are needed for resolution.   Promeris a drug made by Ft. Dodge is now licensed for use in the treatment of demodicosis in dogs when used at the prescribed doses