Fox Angels Foundation
Charity No. 1183633
Sarcoptic Mange
Mange is a type of skin disease caused by parasitic mites. Because various species of mites also infect plants, birds and reptiles, the term "mange", or colloquially "the mange", suggesting poor condition of the skin and fur due to the infection, is sometimes reserved for pathological mite-infestation of nonhuman mammals. Thus, mange includes mite-associated skin disease in domestic mammals (cats and dogs), in livestock (such as sheep scab), and in wild mammals (for example, foxes, coyotes, cougars and wombats). Severe mange caused by mites has been observed in wild bears. Since mites belong to the arachnid subclass Acari (also called Acarina), another term for mite infestation is acariasis.
Parasitic mites that cause mange in mammals embed themselves in either skin or hair follicles in the animal, depending upon their genus. Sarcoptes spp. burrow into skin, while Demodex spp. live in follicles.
In humans, these two types of mite infections, which would be known as "mange" in furry mammals, are instead known respectively as scabies and demodicosis.
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Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is a highly contagious infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, a burrowing mite. The canine sarcoptic mite can also infest cats, pigs, horses, sheep, and various other species. The human analog of burrowing mite infection, due to a closely related species, is called scabies (the "seven-year itch").
Burrowing mites are in the family Sarcoptidae. They dig into and through the skin, causing intense itching from an allergic reaction to the mite's feces, and crusting that can quickly become infected. Hair loss and crusting frequently appear first on elbows and ears. Skin damage can occur from the dog's intense scratching and biting. Secondary skin infection is also common. Dogs with chronic sarcoptic mange are often in poor condition, and in both animals and humans, immune suppression from starvation or any other disease causes this type of mange to develop into a highly crusted form in which the burden of mites is far higher than in healthy specimens. [Source: Wikipedia]
Various treatments are available, if the mange covers less than 30% of the body a simple homeopathic remedy available over the counter can be fed in sweet food, however; in more severe cases far stronger medication is needed which FoxAngels can provide.
This is either a two dose medication given seven days apart. The first dose kills the mites under the skin and the second dose kills any remaining mites and eggs - This must be target fed as the medication can be dangerous to other wildlife and some pets.
We can also provide a single dose treatment for those whose foxes don't visit as regularly however, this again must be target fed.
If there are open sores or bleeding a course of antibiotics may be recommended and in the most severe cases and as a last resort it may be necessary to trap the fox for vet treatment.
If you have a fox you'd like assistance in treating, please get in touch through Facebook messenger by clicking the button below.
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