When Bella started showing signs of something being wrong, I panicked. I had no idea what was happening, and I felt so helpless. Mange is a common and highly contagious skin disease in dogs, caused by various species of parasitic mites. These mites burrow into the dog’s skin, resulting in intense itching, inflammation, and hair loss. Here’s what you should know about the types, symptoms, causes, and treatments for the problem in dogs. There are several types of mange in dogs, each caused by different species of mites and exhibiting distinct clinical signs. The most common types include:. Sarcoptic mange — commonly known as dog scabies — is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The mites burrow into the skin and create tunnels where they lay their eggs. I learned this the hard way, but at least Bella is okay now. this type of mange is highly contagious and can spread rapidly between dogs through direct contact or indirectly via bedding, grooming tools, and other contaminated surfaces. Demodectic mange — also referred to as demodicosis or red mange — is caused by the Demodex canis mite. In some cases, it may also involve Demodex injai or Demodex cornei mites. I felt so guilty when I realized what was happening. demodectic mange can manifest in two forms: localized and generalized. Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is not contagious to other dogs or humans. Puppies usually acquire Demodex mites from their mothers during the first few days of life through close contact. Cheyletiellosis, or walking dandruff, is caused by Cheyletiella mites. These mites are relatively large and can be seen moving on the surface of the dog’s skin, giving the appearance of moving flakes of dandruff. Also known as ear mite infestation, otodectic mange is caused by Otodectes cynotis mites. These mites predominantly infest the ear canals but can also spread to other parts of the body. One of the first signs of mange in dogs is persistent itching. Affected dogs often scratch, bite, or chew at their skin, sometimes to the point of causing bleeding or secondary infections. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, take them to the vet as soon as possible for a proper finding out what was wrong. Diagnosing mange generally involves a physical examination along with diagnostic tests. Dogs contract mange primarily through the infestation of microscopic mites that reside on or within the skin. The two most common ways dogs become exposed to these mites are through close physical contact with an infested animal or by coming into contact with bedding, toys, or objects where the mites are present. Mites thrive in warm, moist environments and can rapidly reproduce on the host, aggravating the skin issues further. The presence of these mites on a dog’s skin triggers an immune response, leading to the symptoms commonly associated with mange, such as itching, redness, and scaly skin. Watching Bella go through this was heartbreaking. if your pup is diagnosed with mange, it’s vital to act quickly to ease their discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening. Mange is a treatable problem, and with proper care, most dogs can make a full recovery. If your dog has sarcoptic mange, the outlook is generally favorable with timely treatment. I wish I had known this sooner. on the other hand, demodectic mange tends to affect dogs with weakened immune systems, making treatment more challenging. In any case, though, early finding out what was wrong and following your vet’s treatment plan are crucial for ensuring your pet recovers as quickly and comfortably as possible.. Once your dog has...
Source: This article is based on information from DogTime