More mites!?

This is a microscopic view from a skin scraping of Demodex mites (cigar shaped with stubbed feet) that live on the skin within the hair follicles of dogs.  Common signs include patchy to diffuse hair loss (because the mites damage the follicle), itching (from probable skin infection), and reddening of the skin.  Common areas affected are around the eyes, axillary (armpit), feet, and flank.  It can be patchy spots or diffuse covering of the body.  It is mostly seen in juvenile animals, but less commonly can  affect adult animals.  It is NOT communicable to humans or other animals.  It is known to be genetically associated, so affected animals should be spayed/neutered and not used as breeding animals.  There are several options for treatment available, depending on the breed and needs of the dog affected.  Some animals may even need to use medications for life to control clinical signs, if initially severely effected.