Mange of Dogs
Dogs are attacked by three kinds of mites, each of which causes different kind of mange.
(1)Sarcastic mange, or scabies, caused by a tiny mite the female of which burrows into the skin, is characterized at first byre points, then by small blisters, and finally by scabs and crusts, baldness, and a peculiar odor. Itching is intense, the whole body may eventually be involved, body functions are upset, and the disease may be fatal if untreated. It canals be transmitted to human beings.
(2)Ear mange is caused by a larger mite that lives deep in their canal, where it punctures the skin. Bacterial invasions may follow, producing inflammation of the inner ear and even of the brain.
(3) Demodectic or red mange, the most common of the three, is caused by a wormlike mite that lives in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The disease is characterized by gradually spreading bald patches, a coppery color of the skin, pustules (pimples), and invasions by pus-forming bacteria, which produce poisons that may eventually cause death.
Mange of dogs should be diagnosed and treated by veterinarian. Ear mange is the easiest to cure, and various remedies containing phenol, carbon tetrachloride, or rotenone are used. Sulfuring various forms or rotenone in ointments or washes is used forsarcoptic mange. Red mange is the hardest to cure; rotenone used in various ways is a promising remedy, and a combination of carbolic acid, sulfur, oil of tar, kerosene, and linseed oil is sometimes employed. A good diet, comfortable quarters, and adequate disinfection of the premises should accompany any treatment for mange.