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.
Mange can cause immune system problems, lesions and genetic disorders if left untreated. Both cats and dogs are known to contract this uncomfortable disease. Your dog's side effects will be different depending on which mite your pet is infected with.
Demodectic mange comes in two forms. It can be localized to a particular area of the body or can be general and cover the dogs entire body. Making a determination as to which type your pet has will determine the treatment your vet will administer.
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.
There are three identifiable mites that are known to cause mange. While transmissions of two are unknown, Demodex canis has been determined to get into the hair follicle. It is assumed that this is transferred from the mother to the newborn through nursing.
Diagnosis can be made in two ways. First it is ruled out that your dog does not just have an infection of the hair follicles. The vet will take a scrape of the skin and test that or if possible, test a urine sample.
Generalized mange can be the hardest to cure. You have the option of the lime-sulphur dip and continuous medication, which should alleviate some of the discomfort. In the more severe cases, it should be ascertained what type of life the dog will have to endure with this chronic condition, then determine the best solution for your dog.
Once a diagnosis of mange is determined, treatment will be advised. It is important to remember that you will need to be diligent with treatment upon diagnosis to keep the disease from spreading. Skin scrapings will need to be tested until it is determined that mites are no longer found.
Remember that if your pet has generalized mange, it's best that you not breed it. Prevention can be simply maintaining a healthy diet for your dog. Regular grooming and good health may be all you need to keep your dog free of mange. - 31851
Mange can cause immune system problems, lesions and genetic disorders if left untreated. Both cats and dogs are known to contract this uncomfortable disease. Your dog's side effects will be different depending on which mite your pet is infected with.
Demodectic mange comes in two forms. It can be localized to a particular area of the body or can be general and cover the dogs entire body. Making a determination as to which type your pet has will determine the treatment your vet will administer.
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.
There are three identifiable mites that are known to cause mange. While transmissions of two are unknown, Demodex canis has been determined to get into the hair follicle. It is assumed that this is transferred from the mother to the newborn through nursing.
Diagnosis can be made in two ways. First it is ruled out that your dog does not just have an infection of the hair follicles. The vet will take a scrape of the skin and test that or if possible, test a urine sample.
Generalized mange can be the hardest to cure. You have the option of the lime-sulphur dip and continuous medication, which should alleviate some of the discomfort. In the more severe cases, it should be ascertained what type of life the dog will have to endure with this chronic condition, then determine the best solution for your dog.
Once a diagnosis of mange is determined, treatment will be advised. It is important to remember that you will need to be diligent with treatment upon diagnosis to keep the disease from spreading. Skin scrapings will need to be tested until it is determined that mites are no longer found.
Remember that if your pet has generalized mange, it's best that you not breed it. Prevention can be simply maintaining a healthy diet for your dog. Regular grooming and good health may be all you need to keep your dog free of mange. - 31851
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