bulldog pup w/ mange

Question
QUESTION: Hello..I have a 4 month old english bulldog,I noticed she had very very small bald patches here and there so I took her to my vet.They scraped her and told me it was demo mange but could easily be treated.I was given a medicated shampoo and promeris for the treatment.I have been feeding her pedigree which I have been told is really not good because of all the corn filler etc..If I change her food and the mange goes away would I be able to breed her when shes about 11/2 -2 years old?  thanks

ANSWER: Joe,

It is not recommended to breed a dog that has had demodectic mange, even if it has been treated and is cleared up.  There is a strong chance your puppies will get it too.

Mange is caused by a mite.  Many dogs have mites but dogs with a low immune system will get mange.

Hope that helps,
Christine Puetz

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you...I was told by a known bulldog vet since she is small once it's cleared up it should be fine as long as she doesn't have it whens pregnant or in heat.I am going to get her a better quality dog food  etc...

Answer
Joe,

If the demodectic mange is generalized (on the entire body), the standard recommendations is not to use that dog for breeding.

If the demodectic mange is localized (a small patch on the face), it is usually recommended that the dog not be used for breeding.  The exception is that if the mange is indeed localized, it is a one time occurrence, and if it is able to clear up without medications.  

Otherwise, the dog has a low immune system and that can be passed on to the puppies.

I assume your dog has the localized form for your vet to say it would be OK to breed.  If she does not have anymore occurrences, you could breed her.  But if she has another outbreak, I suggest and I think your vet will agree, that you have her spayed.

Christine Puetz