Can My Dog Have Mange
25 Jan 2010
Mange is an itchy, inflammatory disease caused by the mite Demodex. Making a determination of which mite your dog is infected with can determine the seriousness of mange. Typically mange in dogs is referred to as Demodicosis.
There are several side effects of mange again, depending on the type of mite inhibiting the hair follicles and skin. Mange can cause genetic disorders; immune system problems and lesions just to name a few. Mange is not only a condition known to affect dogs but cats as well.
There are two forms of Demodectic mange that can affect your pet. Localized will effect a specific area whereas generalized will be in many places over the entire body. Once the vet determines which type of demodectic mange your dog has, proper treatment will be determined.
While many vets will say they do not know what might cause mange, some believe that dogs can be predisposed to this disease due to an immune system problem. Generalized mange will appear as redness of the skin and patches of lesions over the entire body. Localized mange will be around the face, trunk or legs of the dog.
It is believed that one form of mite can be transferred from the mother to the baby via nursing. There are to other forms of mites and it is not yet known how those mites are transferred. Demodex canis gets into the hair follicle of the pet causing this transmission during nursing.
There are a couple of ways to diagnosis demodectic mange in your dog or cat. Either a sample of urine can be tested if that is available, but also by testing a piece of scraped skin. Another possibility could be that your dog may have a bacterial infection of the hair follicle instead of mange.
Localized mange can be cured easily by itself over a period of time. The generalized mange can be more difficult to cure. Lime-sulphur dips and constant medication can relieve some of the symptoms. There are some cases that are more severe and you will need to weigh your options with the vet for the best solution for the dog.
Skin scrapings are necessary to continue testing the dog during its treatment to determine that the mites have been eliminated. If your dog is diagnosed with mange, it is important that you are diligent with the prescribed treatment. This will enable you to keep the spread of the disease under control.
In order to help prevent this disease, you can be sure to maintain the good health of your dog or cat. Regular grooming of your pet can help ward off this nasty disease. All veterinarians will suggest that you not breed your pet if it has chronic mange.
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