| Revision as of 01:55, 5 February 2006 editJoelmills (talk | contribs)10,078 edits →References: + see also cheyletiellosis← Previous edit | Revision as of 04:43, 21 March 2006 edit undo66.81.148.6 (talk)No edit summaryNext edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| I HAVE TO TAKE A CRAP. HELP ME. | |||
| '''Mange''' is an irritation of the ], primarily resulting in ] loss and sometimes including ]ing and ], all of which are caused by microscopic ]s. Mange is most commonly found in ]s and other ], but it can occur in other domestic and wild ]s, and occasionally in ]s. | |||
| The mites embed themselves in the ]s or ], depending on the type, making both detection and treatment difficult. The condition can be treated with parasiticidal ], topical or oral ], or ]s, but it takes time and patience for repeated applications, and almost always requires ] care. | |||
| Two types of mites produce canine mange, and each has similar but somewhat different symptoms. | |||
| ==Demodectic mange== | |||
| ] | |||
| Also called '''demodicosis''', demodectic mange is caused by an overpopulation of '']'', a mite that occurs naturally in the hair follicles of most dogs. In most dogs, these mites never cause problems. However, in certain situations, such as an impaired ], intense ], or ], the mites can reproduce too rapidly, causing anything from mild irritation and hair loss on a tiny patch of skin to severe inflammation, infection, and--in rare cases--a life-threatening condition. Small patches of demodicosis often correct themselves over time, although treatment is usually recommended. | |||
| Minor cases of demodectic mange usually do not cause much itching but might cause pustules on the dog's skin, redness, scaling, hair loss, or any combination of these. It most commonly appears first on the face, around the eyes, or at the corners of the mouth, and on the forelimbs. | |||
| In the more severe form, which usually develops in dogs who have previously suffered minor cases, hair loss can occur in patches all over the body and might be accompanied by crusting, pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and skin infections. | |||
| This variety of mange is not generally contagious; these mites thrive only on very specific hosts (dogs) and transmission usually occurs only from the mother to nursing puppies during the first few days after birth. | |||
| Some breeds appear to have an increased risk of mild cases as young dogs, including the ], ], ], ], ], ], ]s, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. There is strong evidence that a predeliction for juvenile demodectic mange is inherited. | |||
| ==Sarcoptic mange== | |||
| Also known as '''canine ]''', sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious infestation of ''Sarcoptes scabei canis'', a burrowing mite. The canine sarcoptic mite can also infest humans and cats, although usually not severely, as its natural host is dogs. | |||
| These mites dig into and through the skin, causing intense itching and crusting that can quickly become infected. Hair loss and crusting frequently appears first on elbows and ears. Skin damage can occur from the dog's intense scratching and biting. | |||
| Affected dogs need to be isolated from other dogs and their bedding, and places they have occupied must be thoroughly cleaned. Shaving is sometimes warranted. | |||
| ''For more information, see ].'' | |||
| ==Diagnosis== | |||
| Veterinarians usually attempt diagnosis with a skin scraping, which is then examined under a ] for mites. Because they are burrowing creatures, mites are not always present on or near the surface of the skin when the scraping takes place. As a result, diagnosis is often based on symptoms rather than actual confirmation of the presence of mites. This also means that mange is occasionally misdiagnosed as other medical conditions, and vice versa. | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| *] | |||
| ==References== | |||
| * Carroll, David L. (2001). ''ASPCA Complete Guide to Pet Care''. The Penguin Group. ISBN 0-7394-1960-9 | |||
| *Marder, Amy V.M.D. (1997). ''The Complete Dog Owner's Manual''. Fog City Press. ISBN 1-74089-313-1 | |||
| *Siegal, Mordecai (Ed., 1995). ''UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Book of Dogs''. Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-270135-3 | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
Revision as of 04:43, 21 March 2006
I HAVE TO TAKE A CRAP. HELP ME.