Canine Demodectic Mange Mite

Description:

This microscopic mite is found in the hair follicles of domestic dogs. It is not considered contagious to humans or to most other dogs, though it can be transmitted from a mother dog to her suckling puppies (prolonged direct contact). Active infections in dogs and puppies can range from a localized small area of hair loss to nearly complete hair loss on the body with secondary skin infection. This mite tends to flourish when the host is immune deficient as with severely stressed and/or ill pets, or puppies that do not have fully developed immune systems. Infection from Demodex is usually diagnosed by doing a skin scraping from an affected area. A dulled blade is scraped across the skin while the skin is pinched (to help encourage the mites out of the follicles). The debris from the scraping is applied to a microscope slide with mineral oil. The mite can be treated with a couple of different types of medication. Treatment can take months. Some pets have recurring infections throughout their lives due to immune system issues.

Habitat:

Generally, hair follicles of domestic canines.

Notes:

These mites are easily identified by their "cigar" shape. I have pictures of all life stages of this mite. In order from first to last: Adult (eight legs and largest), pupa (eight "stubs" and long body), larva (six stubby legs and somewhat shorter than adults), egg, adult and pupa, pupa and egg (the last two pictures for size comparison). These were all found on a pet dog with a severe infection.