Mange The skin scourge

SCABIES in humans is the equivalent disease to the group of skin disease we call mange in animals.

These skin diseases are caused by the same type of parasite which live mostly under the surface of the skin.

Sarcoptic mange is caused by the sarcoptes mite which burrows under the skin and spends its life there (mating and toilet).

Demodex mange mites live in hair follicles and spend their whole life there.

If they are dislodged such as being scratched off, they will quickly seek a body as they do not live long outside the host animal.

Hosts are those animals to which a parasite has adapted to live with.

Some of these can infect humans but they do not live in our skin - our skin is like a desert to them (not dessert!).

Because the mites hatch, grow, feed, live, mate, lay eggs and die under the skin, the skin disease can remain for years if untreated.

Commonly seen skin disease shows itching, hair loss, red skin and other signs.

Many skin diseases can have similar signs so veterinarians use a combination of signs to diagnose this disease.

There are major difference in these two mange mites which commonly causes skin disease.

Demodex mites are transferred from mother to puppies when the puppies are nursing.

Very few mites are transferred and most of the time the puppies never get skin disease.

Demodex is very difficult to treat if it is widespread in an adult dog, mostly for reasons relating to the dog’s immune system.

Sarcoptic mites on the other hand, are very contagious (pass easily and quickly from one dog to another) but very treatable in dogs of any age.

When either both of these mites are causing skin disease, the dogs and cats can have other skin disease too.

This happens because the mites cause inflammation which interferes with the skin normal function.

Remember skin is the largest organ in the body and can make the animal quite sick when it has a disease.

It is important to keep your pet’s skin clean – regular washing, drying and brushing helps. Ensure they have good nutrition.

If you see signs or hair loss or notice excessive scratching, it is a good idea to get your pet checked by the vet.

There are treatments available and you will save your pet unnecessary pain in the long run.

SPCA is based at 155 Foster Rd, Walu Bay Suva. Phone 3301266/9980023. Send us your pet photos and stories. See SPCA FB page for submission details. The views expressed are the author’s and not of this newspaper.

Picture: SUPPLIED/Greater Good Foundation Dog with mange treated at the Greater Good Foundation (animal shelter in Tavarau, Ba). While not all cases are success stories, the hair can grow back with ongoing treatment.

Picture: SUPPLIED courtesy Greater Good Foundation A sad consequence of mange and other skin infections is that owners often get rid of their pets – locking them out of the compound or dumping them in another neighbourhood. On the streets, these animals are shunned by humans as dirty and suffer silently. Mange is treatable!

Picture: credit SaiSai Facebook This poor dog has been severely affected by mange and possibly other skin infections.

Picture: SUPPLIED/SPCA Ruffles the dog was rescued from a life on the streets — he was tossed out by his owners when he started showing signs of hair loss.