What is Mange?
Mange is an inflammation of the skin of animals caused by
parasitic mites of the Sarcoptidae and Demodicidae families.
What causes Mange?
The male mite remains on the surface, but the female burrows a tunnel up to 2.5 cm (1 in) long in the skin, lays 20 to 40 eggs, and
then dies. The new generation reaches maturity within 14 days and spreads the infestation. The nearly
microscopic mites suck blood and lymph from the host and secrete a poison that causes the itching.
Repeated scratching of the area causes the hair to fall out in large patches. Secondary infections from
bacterial invasion of the inflamed skin can result in death of the afflicted animal. Sarcoptic
mange can be spread to humans and is known as scabies. [2]
What are the symptoms of OCD?
The syptoms of mange are redness of the skin, intense itching, and hair loss. [1]
How can I know for sure my dog has mange?
Since the above syptoms can also be caused by allergies, the only way to reach a positive diagnosis
is to take him to the vet for a skin scrape. Since there are 2 types of mange, a skin scrape will
reveal which mange mite is causing the mange and your vet can treat it appropriately. [1]
How can I treat mange?
Once your vet determines which mite is responsible for the loss of hair and irritation,
he/she will prescribe the appropriate dip. Sarcoptic mange is usually treated by dipping the
dog in Paramite weekly for 4-6 weeks. Demodectic mange can be a bit trickier to cure. Bi-weekly
dippings in Mitaban (active ingredient Amitraz) along with shampooing with a Sulfur based shampoo
is usually prescribed. In extreme cases of demodex antibiotics and immune boosters are administered. [1]
Tea tree oil is also used successfully by many holistic vet medicine proponents. [3]
With the first, and sometimes the second, treatment of mange your dogs symptoms may appear
to be worse; however, this is normal. Just keep treating him as prescribed by your vet. By the
third treatment his condition will have improved drastically, and he will appear to be completely well.
It is at this time many people make the mistake of not completing the last few treatments. These
treatments are very vital to completely breaking the life cycle of the mange mites and ending them
to soon can lead to further flare ups.
If your dog continues to have chronic flare ups of demodectic mange then it probably has a weakened
immune system and may require periodic treatments the rest of its life. [1]
How can I prevent mange?
Keeping your dogs away from infected dogs is usually the best preventative, but sometimes mange
flare ups usually seen when a dog has been put in a stressful situation such as a move or
transport. During these times the immune system is compromised. [1]
When we first got Jael she
suffered from a mild case of demodectic mange. We treated it as soon as we recognized the
symptoms, and she recovered very quickly. Early treatment is
imperative though as secondary infections can cause death. I know of a Boxer who died because
her demodectic mange wasn't treated like it should have been.
References:
- Demodex Mites and Your Dog
- Mange
- B-Naturals Shampoo and Skin Care page
More sites dealing with OCD
