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Mange in Pets
Mange is an unsightly and painful condition caused by burrowing mange mites. Mange is contagious and is spread by contact from infested to non-infested animals. Mange can occur in man, dogs, cats, horses, sheep, cattle and other animals.The female canine mange mite lives in the upper layers of skin and lays 20 to 40 eggs singularly which hatch in 3 to 5 days. The larvae molt to the nymphal stage. The nymphs mature to adults. The larvae, nymphs and adult male mites live under scales on the skin surface and do not burrow. The entire life cycle is completed in 8 to 17 days.
Canine mange first appears on dogs as reddish, inflamed papules on the edges of the ears, in the groin or armpits. Usually symptoms first appear on the head. Red spots appear and burrowing female mites cause the skin to exude serum which dries to form scabs and crusts. The scratching of the animals causes the infected area to spread rapidly. Infested areas become dry, hair falls out, the skin thickens and wrinkles. Irritation from the scratching often leads to secondary infection causing an unpleasant odor. If untreated, the animal may die of exhaustion, dehydration, or secondary infection.
Red mange or demodectic mange of dogs is caused by a mite which lives in the hair follicles of the skin. The first evidence of red mange is the appearance of bald areas where hair has fallen out. As the bald area spreads, itching and irritation increases. Bacterial infections are usually associated with red mange and produce a foul odor. Red mange usually weakens the animal exposing it to other diseases which then kill the animal. Many animals will self cure. The disease is most common in dogs from 3 months to 1 1/2 years old. Stressed animals often exhibit mange symptoms.
Ear Mange Ear mange is common among dogs, cats and rabbits. The mites do not burrow in the skin but live deep in the ear canal and feed on skin. The resulting irritation causes the ear canal to become congested. The affected animal rubs its ears and shakes its head to relieve the itching. Ear mange may be treated by applying mineral oil to the ear canal with a medicine dropper or cotton swab and by cleaning accumulations of foreign matter every other day for about 3 weeks. Grapefruit seed extract can also be used for this condition.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is effective against mites that cause mange and it reduces the chance of secondary infections and it helps to heal the wounds very quickly. It is also very effective against all associated odors.
Mange: Mix (?) drops in 1-Tbs. almond, sesame, avocado, vegetable or olive oil. Rub on infected spot. Use either one! Every 2-3 days until condition improves.
