The Symptoms And Treatments For Mange
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.
Determining which type of mange your dog or cat has is the first thing your vet will do. Localized mange is typically found in certain parts of the body only. Generalized mange is found over the entire body and can be very difficult to cure and treatment is an ongoing thing.
If you see small patches of lesions around your dog’s legs, face or trunk, then he probably has the milder form, which is localized mange. Generalized mange will appear over the whole body in the form of redness on the skin accompanied by the patches of lesions. Doctors will say that there is no known cause for mange however; some feel that immune system problems can prompt this disease in your dog.
It has been determined that mange is caused by three identifiable mites. Transmission is unknown with two of the three. However, Demodex canis is a type of mite that gets into the hair follicle and skins and is likely to be transferred during nursing to the newborn from the mother.
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.
Remember that if your dog is diagnosed with mange, you will need to continue to monitor the condition. If your pet requires treatment, you must continue to test skin scrapings for the presence of mites. As with generalized cases, medication must be administered regularly and continuously in order to control the spread of mange.
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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