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Dog
Hair Loss - information, causes, symptoms and treatment
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The
Mite and the Mange: Hair Loss in Dogs.
No
matter where we live or what we do, we’ve all heard the word
‘mange’. Even if we don’t completely understand what it is,
just its spoken word is enough to make us cringe. In this
respect we are not far off. Mange is a terrible condition
that can cause hair loss in dogs. It is a result of the mighty
mite.
The
mite is such a small creature but responsible for so much.
Mites burrow below the dog’s skin and can create all sorts
of problems. Mange is the “various persistent contagious skin
diseases marked especially by eczematous inflammation and
loss of hair, affecting domestic animals or sometimes humans,
and caused by a minute parasitic mite” (Merriam-Webster Online
Dictionary, 2009).
There
are various types of mange that can cause hair loss in dogs.
Types of Mange:
1.
Sarcoptic Mange. The signs are severe itching, hair loss
and scaling. This type of mange is caused by the Sarcoptes
mite and spreads like wild fire. But because it does not bury
itself as deep as other types of mites, it is not the most
feared. Dogs can be infected easily by Sarcoptes mite and
successful treatment is quite straightforward. Treatment involves
isolating the dog, cleaning bedding and the surrounding environment,
and various other treatments for parasites.
2.
Demodectic Mange. Is a result of infection by the Demodex
mite — a naturally occurring mite in dogs. This type of mange
is more difficult to deal with, as these types of mites bury
themselves quite a way under the skin. These mites attack
hair follicles and can cause hair loss, redness and scaliness.
Pustules and legions can occur. The lower the immune system
of the dog, the more likely it is to be impacted by this type
of mange. It is also known as red mange or puppy mange. Depending
upon the infection and the symptoms, treatment can range from
a medicated shampoo to antibiotics to anti-parasitic drugs.
3.
Cheyletiellosis Mange. This type of mange is commonly
referred to as “walking dandruff” because the mites carry
the skin scales of their host, such as the dog. As with the
other mite infections, symptoms can include severe itching,
scaliness and hair loss. Generally, the treatment is a pesticide
applied to the affected area.
If
you notice hair loss in your dog, there is a possibility that
it could be caused from mange. The problem with diagnosing
this condition, however, is actually discovering whether it
is mange or another type of problem with similar symptoms.
There
are also a number of other conditions that mimic the signs
of mange, such as flea or food allergies. Skin scrapings and
examination under a microscope by a veterinarian often determine
whether the culprit is mite and what type of mite it is. Mites
can produce harmful effects on dogs. They create mange, and
the impacts that they have upon the skin and hair loss can
be unsightly and cause discomfort for the dog. If left unattended,
the consequences can be quite severe.
It
is necessary that pet owners, who fear that their dog may
have mite, see a professional.
