Mange is a certain type of skin disease that afflicts domestic animals including dogs and livestock. Parasitic mites trigger this condition when they burrow into skin or hair follicles.

The two main forms of this condition found in canines are Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange, which is also called Red Mange. The latter version will compromise the immune system of the animal in question and is caused by mites living inside hair follicles. The first symptoms will be bald patches of skin where the dog has scratched itself raw. As the itching intensifies, the afflicted area is susceptible to bacterial infections. The animal is at risk for catching other diseases due to the weakened immune system.

Sarcoptic mange, also called canine scabies, is related to human scabies and is caused by an infestation of a mite that burrows into the skin. The animal experiences itching that is so intense it will scratch and bite to the point of skin damage. Crusting then occurs and the wounds become infected.

This disease will spread quickly from an infected animal to a healthy one. For this reason, the infected animal should be immediately quarantined. A thorough cleaning of the area where the animal sleeps and spends the most time will be required.

This condition is highly contagious and calls for the immediate quarantine of the affected animal. The bedding where the animal sleeps and anywhere else it spends time needs to be given a thorough cleaning.

Take the dog to a reliable veterinarian where skin scrapings will be examined for the detection of mites. If the mites have already been removed from the dog by chewing and scratching, the vet may rely on symptoms alone to the make the diagnosis.

Treating canine scabies is possible with organophosphate or lime sulfur dips every couple weeks for about six weeks. These dips are effective but must be used carefully since most can be toxic to humans. The mites must have direct contact with the dip and since many of these pests live on the face and in ears, the dip must be applied with great care to these areas. Selamectin is an ointment that can be applied directly to the skin and is licensed for treatment in many countries but it requires a veterinary prescription to obtain it. Mites that have burrowed into the ear canals can be gotten rid of by applying drops of mineral oil to the ear daily and cleaning out any debris that accumulates.

This debilitating disease can be avoided with good hygiene. Particularly susceptible to mange are young animals that become malnourished and develop intestinal parasites.

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