Article Title: Demodectic Mange & Mites Affecting Your Pooch?
Author: Joann Henry
Does your dog seem to suddenly have small bald patches around
his face, forelegs or eyes? He may be suffering from demodectic
mange, which is caused by a tiny mite called Demodex canis. The
naked eye is unable to see this tiny mite, so a trip to your
veterinarian would be in order to properly diagnose the presence
of the Demodex canis.
Every dog naturally has this type of mite on their skin, but in
order to be diagnosed as mange, lesions must accompany the other
symptoms. Puppies can get this mite from their mother, but the
Demodex mite is not contagious between other dogs. This type of
mange can affect puppies from three months up to twelve months
of age. In the pores of the puppies' skin, the mite resides, but
doesn't cause symptoms until some (unknown) point, they
activate.
A puppy's immune system is not yet developed, so the demodex
mites produce a substance that allows them to multiply once the
puppies' resistance to their presence has decreased. As a dog
matures, and his immune system is functioning properly, he is
less likely to contract demodex mites and mange. The mite will
usually disappear on its own for puppies, even without
medication from the veterinarian.
Older dogs can also be affected, as their immune systems have
sometimes already been compromised by other health issues. The
prognosis for an older dog is taken a bit more seriously, but
can be diagnosed and treated effectively.
If you see evidence of this mite on your dog, it is best to
take him to the vet to confirm the presence of the Demodex mite.
The veterinarian will determine if the dog indeed has the
condition by scraping the skin or taking an biopsy.
The Demodex mite can cause localized areas, such as the head or
legs, and sometimes over the dog's entire body, a lost of hair.
These areas could appear red, scaly and crusty. You'll actually
be able to see bare areas of skin. Surprisingly, this condition
doesn't cause itchiness for the dog. Other times, Demodectic
mange can begin as a localized infection and develop into
something more serious. If your dog's skin is sore, crusty and
oozing, the hair follicles are probably clogged with debris and
the mites themselves. This level of mange requires specific
treatment, which your vet can outline for you. It may include
using an ointment around the eyes, giving him a bath with
medicated shampoo, and giving him an oral medication as well. If
your dog is experiencing lesions on his feet (in extreme cases,
this is possible), your vet may recommend a specific topical
medication to treat those areas.
Depending on the time a puppy contracts this mite, he could
have it recur, even after successful treatment, up until the
time his immune system is up and running at full tilt. The key
is to catch the symptoms early and get treatment for your dog as
soon as possible.
About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHe
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
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