Pet of the Month
Join us in welcoming the LMAH's January 2008 Pet of the Month. Every
month we recognize a special pet that has overcome great odds, has a
unique story, or has just touched all our hearts at our office. This
month we recognize "Madison." Log on to our website at www.lmah.net
to find out more about her.
Do Pets Dream?
Does your pet vocalize, twitch or even appear to be running in their
sleep? Common belief is that this behavior during sleep is dream
activity, although nobody really knows for sure. What is certainly
known is that pets, just like people have the REM phase of sleep,
and this is when most dream activity occurs in people. Should your
pet display the twitching or movements during day hours, and show
other signs of illness, then see your veterinarian for a health
exam. Less common causes of these night-time movements include
neurological disorders, seizures or a pain response.
When the Itch is a Mite
It's hard to watch the constant scratching, chewing, and discomfort
some pets suffer with. It can keep both you and your pet up at
night. Scratching and chewing are general skin signs that can occur
with many different conditions such as allergies, bacterial
infections, yeast infections, and parasites. While fleas are one of
the best-know parasites, they are relatively uncommon in our desert
climate. However, another parasite group is fairly common.. Mites.
What are mites?
Mites are microscopic parasites that live in or on the surface of
pet's skin. Some mite infections are commonly called "Mange". Below
is a list of some common types of mites our pets can get.
| Type of Mite |
Location |
Discomfort |
Appearance |
| Ear |
ear |
very itchy |
brown chunky ear debris |
| Sarcopitc |
skin |
very itchy |
hair loss around eyes, elbows, belly |
| Demodectic |
skin |
not itchy/slight itchy |
hair loss single area or all over |
| Cheyletiella |
skin |
very itchy |
very flaky, large dandruff |
How can you tell if the itch if from a mite?
Mites cannot be seen with the naked eye so microscopic tests such as
skin scrapings and tape impressions are necessary. Other tests such
as skin cultures or even biopsy may be needed to screen for other
skin problems that can occur at the same time as mites.
Can people catch mites?
Some mites such as Sarcoptic mites are very contagious to all
animals and people too. The other varieties are less likely to
affect people, but may still be passed from pet to pet.
How are mites treated?
All mites are not treated the same, so see your veterinarian for the
best course. Some treatments include medicated dips or medications
such as Ivermectin, Selamectin, or Milbemycin Oxime. Some mites may
take weeks or months to treat!
Can't you just treat with over the counter medications?
Great caution should be advised with any of the over the counter
parasite medications. Too common, both dogs and cats suffer from an
overdose or toxicity when well-meaning pet owners use over the
counter medications inappropriately. Consult with your veterinarian
for the safest treatment course.
For more information on mites on other pet parasites visit the
Companion Animal Parasite Council website at
www.petsandparasites.org.
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