Demodectic Mange Research Paper

A huge misconception about mange, it is not due to poor hygienic living conditions, mange actually occurs over time due to an immature or weak immune system that is mostly common in younger and older canines (Gunter). There is an anatomy, occurrence, symptoms, treatment, and prevention for the most common skin disease in canines, commonly known as mange (Foster). Mange also known as Canine Demodicosis is a parasitic disease due to an excessive proliferation of demodex canis within the hair follicles” (Hugnet). There are 2 common forms of mange found in dogs, they are most commonly known as sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange (Hines). Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is an oval-shaped, light-colored, and microscopic mite (Foster). These mites are contagious and can be spread not only to other dogs but also to humans, causing red bumps that look similar to mosquito bites (“Mange” aspca.org). Sarcoptic mange is most commonly found in young canines (Hines). While, demodectic mange, also known, as demodex or red mange, is a parasite located within the hair follicles. When placed under a microscope, the parasite looks a lot like a cigar with 8 tiny caterpillar legs. Demodectic mange is not contagious to humans or other dogs, but the contagion could still possibly be passed on to another dog if the dog is found to be unhealthy. Demodectic mange is most commonly found in puppies or canines less than 18 months of age because younger canines have an immature immune …show more content…
Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex canis, a parasite that lives in the hair follicles of canines.” As long as the body’s immune system is functioning properly, these mites cause no harm.” Demodectic mange most commonly occurs when a canine’s immune system is immature or weak, due to young and older aged canines, which allows the mites to rapidly increase (Ward). The mites like to live on the dog but can survive for several days without the dog. If the mites are in a cool, moist area they can live for up to 22 days. If the mite is living in a normal temperature environment, they can live up to 6 days. Since the mites can live without the canine for several days, the canine can still become infected without ever coming in contact with the canine that is infected (Foster). Humans can become infected with the Sarcoptic mange. “When passed to humans, sarcoptic mange causes a rash of red bumps, similar to mosquito bites. Humans cannot get demodectic mange from dogs.” Depending on the type of mange present, the symptoms can vary in canines (“Mange