Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite that lives in a dog's, cat's or person's skin. While nearly all species can get mange, each has its own species of mite that infects it, meaning that generally a person can't get mange from a dog. However, the dog can infect another dog. Also, the mites from a dog can get on a human and cause itching, but can't live on a human host in the way they do a dog. The same is true of human to dog transmissions.
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Symptoms
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Sarcoptic mites, which are more like spiders than insects, are spread by direct contact between the infected animal and another animal of his species. A dog or cat with sarcoptic mange will dig and bite at its skin. The skin has oozing sores, through which a secondary infection may enter. Oftentimes, sarcoptic mange causes pets to lose large patches of fur. Dogs and cats of all ages and breeds can be infected by mange. Areas most often infected are the elbows, ears, armpits, chest and abdomen.
Your pet will likely have crusty ears and some hair loss--particularly on his face in the beginning--the hair loss will slowly spread to the rest of his body if the infestation isn't treated.
Ivermectin
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Ivermectin is often used to treat mange in dogs and cats. Generally, an injection of ivermectin is given to the pet weekly or every two weeks. This application of ivermectin hasn't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but is an off-label alternative used by some veterinarians.
Topical Treatment
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Selamectin, which is in the Revolution topical flea prevention product, prevents sarcoptic mange in pets. To actually clear an infection, a second dose--two weeks after the first dose--is usually prescribed. This is usually recommended for collie and Australian shepherd breeds who have been found to have reactions to ivermectin.
Dipping
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Generally, the pet is bathed with an anti-bacterial or anti-itch shampoo before an anti-mite dip is applied. Common dips that have worked include Paramite, Amitraz and Mitaban. These dips are generally given weekly until the mange is gone, typically within one month. Sometimes clipping the dog's hair is also recommended. Ingredients in the dips can be toxic to humans and can't be used on young, senior or sick animals. Sometimes the dips don't cure the mange. Because of these factors, dipping is not used often in treatment today.
Environment
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If your pet is being treated for sarcoptic mange, you should also treat his environment. Bedding should be treated with an insecticide, such as permethrin. Pets who have come in contact with the sick animal should also be treated, even if they are not showing symptoms.
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