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Can My Dog Have Mange

We have probably all seen a dog afflicted with mange at some point in our lives. Mange is known as Demodicosis in dogs. The Demodex mite causes this itchy inflammatory disease and the identification of the particular mite can ascertain the harshness of the mange.

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.

Localized mange is the mild form typically appearing around the dog’s trunk, legs or face with small patches of lesions. Generalized mange is mostly over the entire body in the form of patches of lesions accompanied by redness of the skin. There is no known cause for mange but some doctors believe that problems with the dogs immune system might predispose a dog or cat to this condition.

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.

Testing is done either with a urine sample if you are able to get one or by scraping a piece of the dogs skin. The vet will want to rule out that possibility of your dog having an infected hair follicle. They can also determine the mite by plucking a few hairs.

It is very possible for the localized type of mange to cure itself over time. However, the generalized mange can require a lifetime of medication and lime-sulphur dips are used to relieve symptoms. There are some cases that are just so severe that treatment is not an option, therefore it is best to evaluate this with your vet in order to do what would be best 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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