What are the general symptoms of Demodectic Mange and how it can be treated?
Another type of mange that dogs suffer from is demodectic mange.
Causes and Symptoms:
Demodectic mange is caused by small, elongated cigar-shaped mites which can be easily recognized under the microscope. These mites are considered part of the normal skin fauna when present in small numbers. This condition is commonly referred to as Red mange and it occurs when the causal mites may not be detected because these invade deeper tissues.
This variety of mange is not readily transmissible between adult dogs. Transmission is considered to take place from mother to pups. The pups may show signs of infection immediately, but sometimes the mites may remain dormant in the deeper tissues without any obvious symptoms being visible. This can explain the sudden appearance of lesions in a dog which has not been in contact with an affected animal.
The disease usually starts on the head, around the eyes, muzzle, tip of the ears and forepaws. The skin reddens and the hair falls out. The mites invade the lymphatic system. Short-coated varieties of dogs, especially boxers and dachshunds, appear to be greater victims of this disease, but there is no breed or sex predilection. The affected dogs have a characteristics musty or mousy odour. As a result of scratching, bacterial infection often takes place. The dog’s skin becomes thick and wrinkled.
Treatment and Prevention:
If the condition is not checked early, it may lead to serious illness and even death. In fact it is a much difficult condition to treat effectively, especially in the case of generalized infection. Localized demodectic mange is usually a self-limiting condition, especially in dogs under eighteen months of age.
The veterinarian is, of course, the best person to advice treatment.