As a pet owner, you understand that there are a number of ailments that can affect your furry friend. There aren't many, however, that affect them as painfully as mange. Below is an overview of what causes mange, what symptoms your dog may exhibit, and how mange can be treated and prevented.
What Causes Mange?
Mange is a skin disorder caused by mites and if left untreated can cause serious health issues and fatal infections.
There are two forms of mange, sarcoptic and demodectic. While both have the same effects, the causes are different. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a foreign mite burrowing into the dog's skin and laying eggs. These eggs will soon hatch and the newly-hatched mites will then wreak havoc on your pup's skin. Demodectic mange, on the other hand, is actually caused by a mite that naturally lives on the skin of dogs. When a dog's immune system is suppressed, however, these mites can become an issue and lead to the same problems as seen in dogs with sarcoptic mange.
What are the Symptoms of Mange?
Sarcoptic and demodectic mange do share a number of symptoms, but there are a few ways to tell them apart.
The first thing to consider when determining whether it's sarcoptic or demodectic is where the infestation seems to be. In sarcoptic mange, hair loss, crusting, and general irritation will occur on areas with the least amounts of hair, including the chest, belly, underarms, near the eyes, and on the backs of the legs. Demodectic mange, however, can cover a larger area and even the whole body, or may target one specific location, such as the face. Demodectic mange can even cause a bacterial infection on the feet.
How is Mange Treated and How Can It Be Prevented?
If left untreated, both forms of mange can lead to secondary skin infections which can be painful and even fatal. Fortunately, there is treatment available.
Treatment of mange involves killing off the mites, and this can lead to strong side effects for your pup. Your veterinarian may prescribe a chemical dip, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even tremors. Other forms of medication include injections and oral medications, all of which have similarly harsh side effects. If the side effects are too much for your dog to handle, your veterinarian may prescribe a lower dose, but this can be less effective, especially in larger infections. Since mange is easily transferred from one dog to another, prevention can be difficult, but it involves a healthy diet and lots of exercise, both of which will help to keep your dog's immune system healthy and strong.
To learn more about mange and how to prevent it from occurring in your dog, consult with your pup's animal hospital today.
