M |
| Back |
Mites / Mange
The three most common types of mange in dogs are sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange and Cheyletiella mange.
Sarcoptic mange is often called fox mange, as it can be transmitted to dogs from foxes. However, dogs can get this type of mange from other dogs as well. It is caused by a burrowing mite, which leads to excessive itchiness, scratching, scabbing and secondary skin infections. The areas most often affected are the ears and the elbows, but it can affect the whole of the body in more severe cases. Diagnosis is normally in the form of skin scrapings, which your vet can perform. Treatment can be with shampoos, injections, or with a spot-on treatment (drops on the neck). This has to be repeated till skin scrapings do not reveal any mites anymore. Some dogs will have to be clipped if they have long fur. As long as the dog is under treatment, it is advisable not to have direct contact with other dogs!
Demodectic mange often strikes in young dogs and is therefore sometimes called puppy mange. The mites live inside hair follicles and can cause baldness, but rarely itchiness. The most affected areas are around the eyes and the feet, but, again, the whole body can be affected. The diagnosis is made on the base of skin scrapings and treatment is usually in the form of shampoos, but sometimes other forms of treatment are applicable. Demodectic mange is not as contagious as sarcoptic mange.
Cheyletiella mange is caused by a surface mite. It eats skin flakes and causes scurfiness and itchiness. It is often on the back of the dog and shows as ‘dandruff’. Your vet can diagnose this type of mange by taking pluckings of hair and examining these under the microscope. Treatment is normally in the form of shampoos or sprays.
If you think your dog may have some kind of mange, please seek veterinary advice!
Moulting - Excessive
Moulting is a natural phenomenon. Hairs are constantly replaced by new ones. In the wild this is mainly a seasonal occurrence, but with dogs being kept inside the year round, usually in centrally heated conditions, moulting takes place throughout the year in most cases. However, there are certain conditions which can lead to excessive moulting.
Excessive moulting can be caused by several conditions. Mange may lead to an excessive loss of hairs - see ‘mange’. Certain hormonal conditions can lead to a change in the normal cycle of hair growth and thereby cause excessive moulting. Nutritional disorders can lead to a dry and unhealthy coat condition with excess hair loss. Bacterial and fungal skin infections can also lead to excessive moulting.
If your dog seems to have excessive moulting, it is advisable to ask your vet to check for any of the above mentioned conditions. They will require very different approaches as far as treatment is concerned.