Red mange - Page 1

I know this is quite a debatable subject.  But I was wanting to know to breed or not to breed a male or female German Shepherd (puppy case)  that had a localized case of red mange. Vets mostly saying no breeding no matter what.  Any advice or experience would be extremly helpful.  Thanks!

" Demodectic mange is not an inherited condition, but the suppressed immune system that allows the puppy to be susceptible to the mites can be. Remember that all puppies receive the mites from their mother, but only a few have ineffective immune systems and develop the mange. This sensitivity can be passed genetically through generations. Individuals that have a history of demodectic mange, and their parents and siblings, should not be bred. Through careful breeding, most cases of generalized demodicosis could be eliminated."


A quick Google and I found the above. Seems like there's not much to debate. DON"T do it, makes sense.

This tells you all you need to know regarding Mange. It also gives proper
useage and dosage of Ivomec. The article is written for Beagles  but
the Ivomec can be used for any breed other than Collies, Shelties etc.
Ivomec is great for GSD's.
http://www.beaglesunlimited.com/beaglehealth_demodecticmange.htm

Generalized demodex should NEVER be bred.

Localized demodex and it's possible the dog would still be a breeding candidate and depends entirely on the individual affected. The dog's age is a factor. Younger pups (say 4 months or less) don't have the immune system maturity an older pup (say 6 months or more) does.

Puppies in the early stages of localized demodex should not be treated. It must resolve on it's own or progress to know if it's a problem. If it progresses, the dog is not a breeding candidate (ever) and needs to be treated before it becomes a huge localized problem.

If it resolves on it's own, I look at the pup's relatives and history. Parents, littermates, other siblings and half siblings. If there is no other history of demodex there, I will consider breeding. If I find one or two others, especially one of the parents or a littermate had a problem, then no I wouldn't breed the dog.

Extreme stress, injury and especially other illness, anything that can cause a weakened immune system can contribute to localized demodex showing up. If the pup has been sick or badly stressed before getting demodex that clears itself, then the immune system is not so badly compromised and I will consider breeding that pup. I would be watchful of other problems like allergies that would also indicate a not so strong immune system. If there were any more problems, then not a breeding candidate.

Just my .02

If this is your dog you're asking about have you got any pics? or more info?

Demodectic mange and sarcoptic (red) mange are not the same thing. To which are you referring?

Kelly,
Red Mange is Demodectic  Mange.

Sarcoptic Mange is "Scabies".

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I had been led to believe that sarcoptic is "red" as the skin is far more irritated and discolored than demodectic, but I just googled it, so I stand corrected.

I have used Ivomec to treat demodex as well, very successful.

Thanks so much for everyone's input.  I don't have any pics, I just was trying to figure this out as it might be something to encounter as possibly a future breeder.    I just was really trying to research this disorder.