Common Diseases of Pets

Disease is a common occurrence in both man and animals. However, while man can fully express himself as to what is problem(s) is/are the same is not true for animals and pets. i will be drawing your attention to some common diseases of pets and animals in this part of the ecosystem. It should be noted  that the tips on this blog are to get readers enlightened and better informed when dealing with their animals and pets and do not take the place of a qualified veterinarian. When your animal is sick, the golden rule still remains - visit your Veterinary Doctor...

                            Demodicosis in Dogs (mange)

Mange is a class of skin disaeses caused by parasitic mites. Since mites also infect plants, birds, and reptiles, the term "mange" or "the mange", suggesting poor condition of the hairy coat due to the infection, is sometimes reserved only for pathological mite-infestation. Also called demodicosis or red mange, demodectic mange is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex canis if the animal's immune system is unable to keep the mites under control. The two types of demodectic mange are localized and generalized. Localized consists of four spots or less. Most dogs are immune to demodectic mange, but dogs with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at a higher risk. It is not contagious to humans.

 Mange (demodicosis) is an inflammatory disease in dogs caused by various types of the Demodex mite. When the number of mites inhabiting the hair follicles and skin of the dog become exorbitant, it can lead to skin lesions, genetic disorders, problems with the immune system and hair loss (alopecia). The severity of symptoms depends upon the type of mite inhabiting the dog.
 The condition or disease described in this article can affect both dogs and cats. However our emphases here is that of the Dog because of its prevalence. You can also learn more about the other common type of mange


Symptoms and Types

Demodectic mange may either be localized and affect specific areas of the body, or generalized, where it affects the entire body. If localized, symptoms are usually mild, with lesions occurring in patches, especially on the face, trunk, or legs. If generalized, symptoms will be more widespread and appear across the body. These symptoms include loss of hair - alopecia, a redness of the skin (erythema), and the appearance of scales and lesions in various parts of the body.

Causes

While an exact cause of mange in dogs is unknown, many experts believe genetic factors, such as problems with the immune system, may predispose a dog to developing mange.
 Three species of mites have been identified to cause mange in dogs. While the mode of transmission is unknown for two of these, it is known that one type, Demodex canis, inhabits the skin and hair follicles and may transfer from mother to newborn during nursing especially in kernels that are not kept clean.
Skin scrapings are used to find and diagnose demodicosis in dogs. Plucking hairs may also help identify the mite responsible for the condition.

If performed, a urine test will identify other possible diagnoses, namely those caused by a disorder with the dog’s metabolic system. Alternative diagnoses may include bacterial infection in the hair follicle and bla bla bla....i don't want to bore you with medical jargons.

As  always keep your comments coming and have a splendid week ahead.
Cheers.