An extreme case of mange is horrific to look at and horrific for a dog to experience. Mange can be prevented and treated effectively.
Mange is a common skin disease found more common in stray dogs, neglected or abused dogs. It is a sad sight to see. Skin is covered in sores or with thickened, hard, crusty patches over a hairless body. Mange is caused by mites.
The first signs of mange infection will be on the margins of the ears, chest, elbows, hocks and belly. Symptoms include: extreme itchiness, redness and rash, thick yellow crusts, hair loss, bacteria and yeast infections, thickening of the skin in advanced cases.
Treatment includes clipping the hair or shaving the dog down, dipping to cleanse and heal skin using medicated shampoos on a weekly basis. Betadine baths are helpful. Getting rid of the mites and then controlling mites. A drop or two of Ivomec in the ears monthly usually is sufficient for getting rid of and controlling mites. There are other topical applications you can use from your vet such as selamectin and imidacloprid-moxidectin. Ivomec is usually not recommended by vets for this use, however, it does work for dogs as I have used these method for years. Ivomec also helps control fleas. I have also used Betadine baths for dogs who seem to itch a lot.
You can purchase Ivomec and Betadine from just about any pet supply company. Vets also have oral treatments and other topical treatments you can use.
Controlling mites and curing mange is actually pretty easy, depending on the severity of your problems. Best practice is to prevent it. Mange makes a dog absolutely miserable.
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