If a puppy has mange, it's more than likely "puppy mange," also known as "demodectic," "red" or "follicular" mange. Miniscule (about 9/1000 of an inch) "alligator-like" demodectic mites live harmlessly on virtually every dog. Puppies with compromised immune systems, however, are at risk of becoming quite ill. To a lesser extent, Cheyletiella mange and Sarcoptic mange also affect puppies. How quickly a treated pup recovers from mange depends upon its overall state of health
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Demodectic Or "Puppy" Mange
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Virtually every mother carries and transfers demodectic mites to her puppies during their first week of life. Kennels and bedding aren't contaminated because the mites don't survive off animals. Most puppies are unaffected, but pups with weak immune systems develop mange. Localized demodectic mange is characterized by four or fewer isolated lesions--circular, crusty areas usually on the head or forelegs of three- to six-month-old dogs. In generalized mange, hair loss affects the entire coat. The pup's skin is oily, crusty and inflamed, often cracking and oozing clear liquid. Pups with generalized mange usually develop secondary bacterial infections that require vigorous treatment.
Treatment Of Localized Demodectic Mange
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About 90 percent of demodectic mange cases are localized and can be treated topically. Both 1 percent rotenone ointment and 5 percent benzoyl peroxide gel are successful treatments when applied daily. Infected pups must be bathed periodically with benzoyl peroxide shampoo. They also require a high-quality diet and a multivitamin with a fatty acid. Most localized lesions don't require overly aggressive treatment, although they might worsen before they improve.
Treatment Of Generalized Demodectic Mange
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The best treatments for generalized demodectic mange are bi-weekly neurotoxic amitraz dips. Medium- and long-haired puppies are clipped short to maximize the dip's contact with their skin. Pups usually need between four and 14 dips, but aren't considered cured until a year after their last treatment. Pups that aren't responsive to Amitraz can receive large daily doses of ivermectin. Interceptor, another medication, can also be given daily and is effective on up to 50 percent of dogs that don't respond to dips. Puppies are prescribed antibiotics and tested for underlying causes of this immune system disease. Demodectic mange, in either form, is not contagious to humans.
Cheyletiella Mange
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Cheyletiella mange, also known as "walking dandruff," affects puppies and is caused by a large reddish mite easily seen under a magnifying glass. This type of mange is characterized by a dandruff dusting over the dog's head, neck and back; mildly itchy skin; crusty or red inflamed skin and small swellings. It's highly contagious, but short-lived. The mite dies a short time after leaving the host. Treatment for this type of mange requires an insecticide dip.
Sarcoptic Mange
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Sarcoptic mange, or scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite. The female mite burrows under the skin to lay eggs, which causes intense itching. Dogs with scabies bite fiercely at themselves. Their skin develops oozing sores and, usually, secondary infections. Veterinarians use ivermectin in two doses, two weeks apart, to kill the mites. They might also prescribe short-term steroids to relieve itching. Contagious to dogs and humans, scabies can be spread via furniture. If a dog's skin is damaged by sarcoptic mange and secondary infections, it can take weeks or months to heal.
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