Managing mange leads to new beginning for Dax
Three-year-old Yorkie, Dax, was enjoying the good life when a run-in with mange led to a series of unexpected twists and turns.
When Dax began to suffer, his family spent months trying to determine the source of his discomfort. Eventually, a veterinarian was able to determine that Dax was suffering from sarcoptic mange.
Sarcoptic mange is caused by a parasitic mite that burrows into the skin. Sarcoptic mange is also highly contagious to other animals, and to people as well. It is contracted through direct contact with an infected animal or person, or through environments that have been contaminated (areas like dog parks, kennels, high traffic areas, etc.)
The diagnosis proved to be too difficult for Dax’s family to manage, and they made the decision to re-home him to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society for treatment.
“Treatment starts working very quickly, so within days Dax was already feeling much less itchy and more comfortable,” says Jocelyn Rutgers, a Registered Veterinary Technician with the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre. “His hair began to grow back, and he showed us his true, sweet, personality.”
With a fresh coat and a fresh outlook to match, it wasn’t long before Dax found his forever home.
“Dax has settled into his new home very well,” says Jocelyn. “He has a family who loves him dearly, and even a cat friend who he is learning not to chase.”
For anyone concerned their pet may have mange, Jocelyn recommends bringing them to a veterinarian for diagnosis. A skin scraping is performed and viewed under a microscope to look for the parasitic mites that cause sarcoptic mange, she says. Diagnosis can sometimes be made by a veterinarian based on clinical signs.
Mange can be prevented and treated in animals by keeping your pet on an appropriate flea/tick preventative year-round. Speak with your vet to determine which product is right for your pet. For humans, prevention includes keeping a clean home, disinfecting regularly, and washing bedding regularly.
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
