Demodicosis, also known as red mange or "demodex", is a common skin disease of dogs caused by a microscopic mite called demodex canis. This condition is caused by a sensivity to and overpopulation of demodex canis as the immune system is unable to keep the mites under control.
Demodex is a genus of mite in the family Demodicidae. Demodex canis is found naturally in the hair follicles of most dogs in low numbers around the face and other areas of the body. In most dogs, these mites never cause problems. However, in certain situations, such as an underdeveloped or impaired immune system, intense stress, or malnutrition, the mites can reproduce rapidly, causing symptoms in sensitive dogs that range from mild irritation and hair loss on a small patch of skin to severe and widespread inflammation, secondary infection, and in rare cases can be a life-threatening condition.
Demodicosis condition can be localized (affecting a small area with mild symptoms) or generalized (affecting various body parts with more severe symptoms). The symptoms that typically occur in either form of demodicosis include
alopecia (hair loss)
skin redness (erythema)
appearance of scales and lesions
