Mange is a persistent, contagious skin condition caused by parasitic mites. Two types of mange affect pit bulls, red (demodectic) mange and sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies. Red mange isn't contagious to humans, but sarcoptic mange can cause itchy, small red bumps on human skin. Mange is a genetic condition in pit bulls. Both types will get worse if left untreated, compromising a dog's immune system, skin and coat.
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Types
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Petplace.com states that red mange is classified in two forms, localized and generalized. The localized form of mange generally affects younger pit bulls under age 1, as a result of a temporary illness or stressful condition. The generalized form of mange can occur as an acute illness, and the adult form is more difficult to resolve, with relapses common.
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and invades deep into the skin of healthy dogs of all ages. Humans can be affected, but these mites prefer to reproduce and thrive on dogs.
Causes
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Vetinfo.com and Petplace.com state that the demodectic mange mites can be carried from a mother dog to her pups genetically. The pups should develop immunity to the parasites, although some pups have a weakened immune system that does not mature. These mites, which live in the hair follicles, attack an adult pit bull, weakened by an underlying health problem such as heartworm, cancer, liver or kidney disease. Sarcoptic mange mites are passed on through contact with other dogs affected with this parasite.
Symptoms
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The website Canine Health Care Corner states that the clinical signs of mange mites are patchy hair loss with some lesions and sores, as well as crusting, usually on the neck, elbows, armpits, ears and abdomen. Your pit bull may itch and scratch, causing open sores, ulcerations and bacterial infections. Your veterinarian can make a definitive diagnosis of mange on your pit bull through a skin-scraping microscopic test.
Treatment
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As stated by both Vetinfo.com and Petplace.com, if mange is the localized form, your veterinarian will prescribe an antibacterial shampoo to rid the parasites and medication to apply to any open sores. In more accelerated forms of pit bull mange, removal of the parasites may involve a prescribed treatment with a medicated dip such as Amitraz, and an anti-itch medication. Your veterinarian may choose other therapies such as milbemycin and ivermectin, which can be given orally or by injection. Mange is difficult to get rid of, and treatment should be followed faithfully per the instructions of your veterinarian until completed in about three weeks.
Prevention/Solution
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To keep your pit bull from contracting mange, avoid contact with infected animals. All pets in the household need to be treated if there is an outbreak and the house cleaned regularly, including vacuuming as well as washing and sanitizing bedding and kennels. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle will help your pit bull maintain a strong immune system, a first step in avoiding mange.
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