The canine inflammatory skin disease called mange results when various mites of the Demodex genus inhabit a dog's hair follicles. Mange is also referred to as "demodectic mange." Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is caused by a different mite that invades the skin. Both conditions are flagged by hair loss and severe itching. Demodectic mange is predominantly found on dogs younger than four months old who don't have a fully developed immune system.
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Symptoms
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Demodectic mange can be localized, affecting less than five areas on the body, or generalized, spreading to more than five areas, large patches or the entire body. These lesions are marked by hair loss, red or crusty skin and sometimes a greasy or moist look. Symptoms usually are noticed first on the head, commonly around the muzzle and eyes.
Canine scabies is most prevalent on the areas of the dog with the least hair; bad infections can spread to a dog's whole body. It's evident by its inflamed, red pustules and crusty, yellow skin. It is often mistaken for an allergy and can create infected sores when untreated and heavily scratched.
Diagnosis
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Because the mites are much too small to be seen without a microscope, a skin scrape or biopsy is done when a dog is suspected of having mange. The mites associated with demodectic mange can be found commonly on dogs and humans who aren't affected by them; so, the identification of the mites has to coincide with lesions for a problem to be diagnosed.
Canine scabies can be harder to pinpoint. Many infected dogs are diagnosed based on symptoms and history, because only 20 percent of them will show mites with a skin scraping. A negative skin scraping isn't always reliable.
Mange Treatment
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Daily creams and periodic shampoos and dips are the way to fight mange. In some cases, the lesions will heal themselves as the dog's immune system improves. With localized mange, treatment can be gentler, although the lesions might get worse before they get better. A more aggressive approach is necessary for generalized mange, and the dog will be dipped an average of four to 14 times, every other week. Shaggy dogs should be clipped short for optimal skin contact with the medication.
Scabies Treatment
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Just like mange, canine scabies is treated by clipping the dog and dipping him every two weeks. Because the mites tend to congregate around the eyes, nose and mouth of the dog, those administering the dip should do so carefully. Dogs who are very old, very young or ill can be especially sensitive to the chemicals and should be treated alternatively.
Scabies can also be treated and prevented by topical solutions, some of which also fight fleas, ticks and heartworm. The dog's bedding and all dogs who have come in contact with him should also be treated for a minimum of four weeks. The mites so damage the skin, that other infections can move in easily, so these will need to be treated as well.
Human Infection
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While Demodex canis only infects dogs, scabies can spread from pet to owner. This species of mite, however, thrives on animals but lasts only a short while on humans. The human variety of scabies, however, passes interpersonally and causes a rash on various places on the body. As Demodex mites are commonly found on the human body, they're impossible to avoid, and the only reason they infected your dog was because his immune system was suppressed.
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