Red mange is also known as demodectic mange or demodicosis. The mange is caused by microscopic mites, Demodex canis or Demodex injai, that live in hair follicles. For most dogs, these mites do not cause a problem. However, if a dog's immune system is weak or compromised, the mites proliferate and mange will be evident. Puppies naturally have weak immune systems for their first few days, and so the mange is easily passed to them from their mothers. Colloidal silver is a natural mange treatment.
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Types
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Localized red mange will appear as a few bald, scaly, red spots predominantly on the dog's head. In total, there are no more than four mange spots on the dog. This type of mange is most common in puppies and usually goes away without treatment.
Generalized red mange appears as numerous spots on the dog's entire body. The spots will be red, scaly and bald. This type of mange is often accompanied by a bacterial infection and as a result the spots will itch and smell. Generalized mange is most common in young, or adolescent dogs. If generalized mange appears in older dogs it may be a sign of an underlying immune system issue.
Demodectic pododermatitis is a type of red mange that attacks a dog's feet. This is an extremely difficult type of mange to treat. This form of red mange is common in Old English sheepdogs and shar peis.
Diagnosis
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Veterinarians diagnosis red mange by conducting a skin scrape of the infected area. They examine the scrapings under a microscope to determine the presence of mites.
Transfer
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Red mange is not considered transferable to humans. Historically, it has also not been considered contagious among dogs, aside from shortly after birth. Recent research indicates that the mites may transfer among dogs and that dogs with weakened immune systems may be susceptible to contracting mange.
Colloidal Silver
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There are many mange treatments available. Many of these are hard chemical treatments. If you prefer a natural method, colloidal silver is often used as a natural treatment for mange.
Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic. It fights viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi by destroying the underlying cause of the problem. It is purported to fight more than 650 disease-causing organisms. Silver has been used for centuries as a health supplement and is used both topically and orally. Colloidal silver is a mixture of small submicroscopic particles of silver held, via electromagnetic charge, in a liquid.
Colloidal silver is available in gel and liquid form. Liquids are available in mist or drop applications. The silver can easily be added to daily food or water supplies. Follow manufacturer directions carefully.
Warnings
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Dogs with a history of generalized red mange should not be bred. There is a good chance the mites, and mange, will be passed along to offspring.
Colloidal silver is a natural product with little-known side effects. However, potential long-term effects are not well-documented. Long-term large dosages have been shown to cause argyria in humans. Argyria is a permanent blue discoloration of the skin.
Consult a veterinarian at the first sign of mange. In older dogs, this may be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires immediate treatment.
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