|
A microscopic mite that burrows into a pet’s skin causes sarcoptic mange. It causes inflammation, a thickening of the skin, itching, scratching and severe hair loss.
It can occur all over the body but often starts around the tail legs and ears. If untreated, many animals will scratch until raw, bleeding areas show up.
Although there are many reasons for hair loss in a pet, sarcoptic mange can be easily diagnosised by doing a skin scraping.
Skin scrapings are painless to the pet. An affected area is picked; the skin is lightly pinched to raise the mite slightly. The veterinarian then takes a scalpel blade and lightly scrapes it on the skin, going against the hair growth.
The resulting residue on the scalpel blade is mixed with mineral oil, wiped placed upon a slide and examined under a microscope.
Sarcoptic mange mites look a little like tiny brown ticks. They are easily found because the legs on the body are not only visible, they are usually still moving!
It is routine to report the presence of the mites to the owner and then inform them to keep a watch on themselves for itchy areas with tiny red dots.
These areas usually occur across the front of the owner’s abdomen and along the insides of both arms. This is because, most puppies or dogs are held against these areas.
The owner is also informed to report symptoms and the pet's infection to regular physician.
A pet suffering from sarcoptic mange is usually scrubbed with a strong shampoo, and then dipped in a specially formulated dip. It is required for the animal to drip dry. Towel drying, will remove so much of the dip, it is no longer effective.
Ten to fourteen days later, the entire shampoo and dip procedure needs to be repeated. This is usually enough to eradicate the problem. There are times a third or even fourth treatment may be required.
With diligent care and treatment, sarcoptic mange IS curable with no lasting side effects.
| 
