Dog Mange

Demodex canus is a contagious skin disease caused by mites. These mites burrow through the skin causing severe irritation to your dog. Mange is highly contagious to other animals and humans.

How does infection occur?

Demodex canus is thought to be passed from the mother to the pup because it requires very close contact. Many healthy dogs carry demodex but are asymptomatic, meaning they do not present symptoms of mange. It is suspected that in order for a demodex infection to be established, there must be a genetic predisposition in the dog’s ability to control the mites. This means that some dogs will be more resistant than others. Immuno-suppressed patients are at greater risk of developing an infection and spreading the mites.

What are the symptoms of mange?

Dog Mange is commonly characterised by:

Intense scratching

Rash

Crust formation

Rash

Lesions usually appear as patches of hair loss. The areas around the eyes, on the feet and forelegs are most commonly affected. These sites are often not itchy and whilst secondary infections can occur, they are not routinely seen.

Demodicosis is generally a disease of pups and juveniles. Where it occurs in adults, it is usually associated with internal disease.

What is our treatment process?

Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstration of the mites in skin scrapes. As the mite lives within the skin it cannot be seen on the surface.

Skin scraping for the mites involves:

Squeezing the skin to force the mite closer to the surface and then the skin is scraped
Three different areas of skin is collected
It is examined under a microscope for mites

If the diagnosis of demodex mites is confirmed, our vets will work out an appropriate treatment plan. There are several options available and we will discuss with you which one we feel will work best for your pet.
Generally dogs remain on the treatment until they display two negative scrapes one month apart.

7 Sydney Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney

Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience

Newtown

Open 7 Days

69-73 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043

(02) 9519 4111

Inner West

Open 7 Days

1A Northumberland Ave, Stanmore NSW 2048

(02)9516 1466

Norwest

Open 7 Days

Unit 8/1-3 Celebration Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153

(02) 8883 0411

Kellyville

Open 7 Days

106 Windsor Rd, Kellyville NSW 215

(02)8883 0533

Baulkham Hills

Open 7 Days

472 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

(02) 9157 5557

Newport

Open 7 Days

1 Palm Rd (Corner of Barrenjoey Rd), Newport, NSW 2106

(02) 9997 4609

Avalon

Open 7 Days

710 Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

(02) 9918 0833

7 Sydney Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney

Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience

Newtown

Open 7 Days

69-73 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043

Inner West

Open 7 Days

1A Northumberland Ave, Stanmore NSW 2048

Norwest

Open 7 Days

Unit 8/1-3 Celebration Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153

Kellyville

Open 7 Days

106 Windsor Rd, Kellyville NSW 2155

Baulkham Hills

Open 7 Days

472 Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Newport

Open 7 Days

1 Palm Rd (Corner of Barrenjoey Rd), Newport, NSW 2106

Avalon

Open 7 Days

710 Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

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