In an ongoing series on the four types of mange in dogs today we will look at Cheyletiella Dermatitis. Also called Cheyletielliosis and Walking Dandruff, it is caused by a mite called Cheyletiella yasguri.If you’re looking for something that will give you the creeps, find a puppy with Walking Dandruff. He will have a lot of white flakes all over his body. He will be scratching like crazy. And, if you can get him to hold still long enough, you will see the flakes moving as the Cheyletiella mites walk from place to place.
Usually we see an entire litter of puppies infested, sometimes as early as 4 weeks of age. Adult dogs may have a few mites on them but have a natural resistance to the organism.
Like Scabies, people may become infected. Unlike Scabies, physician treatment is usually required and people with Cheyletiella have extreme itchiness.
Treatment for pets is usually simple, requiring only topical insecticides such as dips. Even some flea sprays can kill Cheyletiella. Discarding the bedding is the best way to eliminate environmental contamination. Alternatively, you may spray the bedding with insecticide before subjecting it to hot wash water.
Avoid home remedies which may not only make your pet’s skin worse but can even be fatal in some cases.
To read about Demodicosis (red mange), click here.
To read about Sarcoptic mange (Scabies), click here.
To read about Otodectic Mange (ear mites), click here.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
MMMANGE4
