Demodicosis or Red Mange is one of the most common skin disease seen in small animal practice which develops large number of follicular mite Demodex Canis inhabit hair follicles and sebaceous glands. In small numbers, mite is a normal inhabitant of the skin of dogs. Transmission of mites is thought to occur from dam to puppy during nursing withing first 72 hours after birth.

Demodicosis appears to have a complex pathogenesis that is still not completely understood. There is evidence of hereditary predisposition in certain breeds. Suppression of the immune system likely precipitates the disease in at least some cases. The predisposing factors include administration of immunosuppressive drugs, serious systemic diseases, estrus, whelping, heartworm disease and hookworm infestation.

CLINICAL SIGNS

Demodicosis is most commonly encountered in purebred dogs under 1 year of age and is observed in either of two clinical forms.

• Localised Form
• Generalised Form

Localised form is a mild clinical condition that resolves spontaneously 90% of the time. The disease usually begins with acute or gradual hair loss involving the face or extremities. Scratching and inflammation generally are not complaints unless secondary pyoderma (bacterial skin disease). Occurs lesions usually are confined to the head, neck and forelimbs, although any area of the body may be involved. This form may occur in any breed and in either gender. Approximately 10% of localized form may rapidly or gradually progress to generalised disease.

Breeds that appear to be at increased risk include German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Doberman Pinscher, Dalmatian, Great Dane, Collie, Afghan Hound and Beagle.

Diagnosis

• By Clinical Signs
• Skin scrapings

Demodex canis mites are best found by performing deep skin scrapings. Any dog with a dermatotis should be scraped in two or three infected plaes with the help of BP blade and observed under microscope after processing the collected sample.

Treatment

Amitraz (RIDD) liquid concentrate has been tested and proved safe and efficacious for demodicosis

Localized and Generalised demodicoses require different modes of therapy, although there are some common considerations. Corticosteroids at any dosage and in any form, including topicals, are contraindicated unless the animal presented is in a life-threatening situation. They may suppress the immune system of an already compromised animal. Localized cases of demodicosis can progress to the generalized form as a result of steroid administration. Because scratching may be associated with secondary pyoderma, treating the bacterial infection with topical therapy (antimicrobial shampoos) and systemic antibiotics will usually quickly resolve this problem.

Localised Demodicosis

More than 90% of dogs with localized demodicosis will recover spontaneoulsy, with disappearance of lesions in 6 to 12 weeks. thus, the prognosis is excellent and recurrence is rare.

Generalized Demodicosis

Amitraz (RIDD) is the only drug approved for the treatment of generalized demodicosis by the Food & Drug Administration and it has made management of the disease much easier for client and and veterinarian. Clinical studies have reported results for complete, long-term cures ranging from 0% to 99%. This vast discrepancy in efficacy is probably the result of different animal populations, variations in treatment protocols, and different criteria for cured cases, including long-term follow-up periods. Actual long-term cure rates with 1 year follow-ups are probably in the range of 60% to 80% for the typical population of dogs with generalized demodicosis under 1 1/2 years of age.

One study (Kwochka et.al., 1985) reported that weekly Amitraz (RIDD) dippings were more efficacious than dippings every 2 weeks. No difference was seen when the concentration of the solution was doubled and applications were done every 2 weeks. These results suggest that better cure rates may be achieved when recommended frequency (weekly) of application is used. Other advantages of Amitraz (RIDD) include its ease of application in the aqueous form and low reported toxicity.

Probiotic means "for life". The use of probiotics to promote a better digestive balance is a well established concept in human medicine, and now wer are seeing it applied to animals.

Probiotic is a product containing viable, lactic acid-producing bacterial strains (primarily Lactobacilli and Streptococci) that are administered orally, either alone or in feed and with the intention of establishing a favourable intestinal microflora.

? How do gut micro-organism's work?

All animals have 100 trillion micro-organisms in their digestive tract; most are "friendly" some are hostile or are pathogenic. In the normal healthy animal, the balance of micro-organisms in the intestinal tract helps eficient digestion and absorpiton of nutrients. They also increase the body's resistance to infectious diseases. Probiotics promote a balance in the favourable and healthy gut flora.

During periods of stress, this balance can be altered, generally resulting in a reduced lactobacilli population of the gastrointestinal tract. This removes the natural restraint upon the pathogenic micro-organism, and can result in clinical signs like diarrhoea, stomach upsets and tiredness.

Changes in feeding, travel, dog shows, training and other activities which stretch our pets beyond the daily norm, cause stress in our animals. Stress also affects micro-orgamism of the digestive tract, causing digestive problems.

If pets are taking antibiotics, antibiotics also kill beneficial bacteria, so lactobacillus preparations can be used safely alongwith antitiotics to re-establish digestive balance. Use for aging animals who have difficulty in digesting and absorbing food if pets have occasional diarrhoea, flatulence, or foul smelling stools.

PETCARE presents PROVILACC that contains Live Yeast Culture, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Streptococcus faecium