Our question this week was:

I bred my Shar-Pei and kept one of her pups and they both have Sarcoptic Mange. Is this genetic/hereditary?

Wendy Fleming



Answer


Hi – thanks for your email.

Sarcoptic mange, also commonly known as scabies, is a highly contagious parasite that invades the skin of healthy dogs. The problem is not thought to be genetic or hereditary.
The classic signs of scabies is intense itching, sometimes small red bumps that can turn into scabs and some hair loss. The signs probably result from an allergic reaction to the mite.

An article that might be helpful to you on my site Petplace.com is Sarcoptes Mange in Dogs. This article also talks about treatment of the disease.

Good luck,



Dr. Jon


PS – Please note that Humans exposed to infested dogs commonly are affected.




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