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Demodectic
Mange is a hereditary, non-contagious (to pets & people) mite which
your pet is born with on his or her skin.
Not all pets that are born with this mite show hair loss, itching
and extreme skin infections, but some, due to an immune system breakdown,
will allow the mite to grow and reproduce in the hair follicles making
your pet very uncomfortable. This
mite usually occurs in 4-12 month old dogs and can be diagnosed by a
microscopic skin test which your DVM will perform.
In some cases this mite only occurs in 1-2 spots and can be treated
with an ointment (local form). In
other cases it covers your pet in more than 1-2 spots (generalized form).
This form is the most serious and requires prompt and consistent
medicated treatment in the form of dips with the trade name Mitaban.
These dips must be given in the hospital by a person who is trained
to properly mix and apply the dip. |
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Throughout
the last 10 years, my experience has been that about 90% of all dogs can
be treated with 3-7 dips with a complete resolution of skin problems.
Of the 10% left, 5% require 10-15 dips.
Of the remaining 5%, 2 ½% will not respond and will require
monthly dips for life just to keep them comfortable.
The last 2 ½% initially have a complete resolution of skin
problems but the mite recurs on the feet when your pet becomes older. |
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If your pet does not respond to the dips which are the preferred method of
treatment, there are other means of extra label drugs, which have some
potential side effects, that can be tried (if the need arises) with
permission of the owner. |
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After your pet has had 3 consecutive, weekly dips, a skin test and
physical exam will be done to assess your pet’s response to therapy. |
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Our
position is to recommend spaying or neutering all dogs who have demodectic
mange to prevent spreading of this disease to future generations.
If your pet is a female, it is STRONGLY recommended that she
be spayed before she goes into heat (estra cycle) as this will stress her
immune system and increase the risk of the mange recurring. |
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