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Whenever
your dog comes into contact with a canine whose
history you don't know, there is always the risk
that your pet could pick something up. One of the
most common ailments that's passed on through dog-to-dog
contact is sarcoptic mange. This disease, also known
as scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite that
burrows into your pet's skin-especially the elbows
and tips of ears, which become scabby and crusty.
Scabies is marked by intense, frantic itching, hair
loss and body sores. Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange
may be difficult because the mites will not always
show up in a skin scraping. Your veterinarian may
decide to treat your dog for this disease based
on the symptoms and history, rather than by a diagnostic
test.
Scabies & Sarcoptic Mange Treatment
To
manage sarcoptic mange, you'll need to bathe your
pet at regular intervals with a dip specially formulated
to kill sarcoptic mites; your veterinarian can prescribe
one. It's also important to destroy all your pet's
bedding, as these mighty mites can live for a short
time once they've left their canine host. To help
alleviate the itch, some veterinarians recommend
a steroid or antihistamine that contains dephenhydramine,
but do consult with your pet's doctor for proper
dosage.
The
more serious form of mange is caused by demodex
mites, which do not cause the severe itching that
scabies does. These parasites are normally present
on a healthy pet's hair follicles, but they can
suddenly multiply out of control. Symptoms are nasty
pustules, hair loss and scaly skin around the eyelids,
mouth and front legs. Mild cases are commonly seen
in puppies, and can clear up on their own in about
a month. But if the infected animal is older or
debilitated, demodectic mange can be an indicator
of a more serious problem, such as immune system
malfunction.
Your Veterinarian Can Prescribe the Best Scabies & Sarcoptic Mange Treatment
Only
your veterinarian can accurately diagnose demodectic
mange; if your dog is infected, the cigar-shaped
mites will be present in a skin scraping placed
under a microscope. Treatment involves weekly baths
with an insecticidal dip available by prescription
only.
Dogs
infected with scabies or demodectic mange should
be groomed following the advice of your veterinarian
only. Brushing helps remove the scabs and scales
associated with mite infestation, but if a dip is
being used regularly, bathing with a shampoo should
be avoided unless advised by a veterinarian. And
pay extra attention to personal hygiene if your
dog has scabies. It can be passed on to humans,
causing itchy pimples that resemble mosquito bites.
ANIMED recommends that you wash thoroughly after
treating or touching your pet, and see your physician
if you develop a problem.
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