Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: MY BICHION PUPPY IS CONSTANTLY SCRATCHING HERSELF.  SHE IS 4 MONTHS OLD.  I'VE WASHED HER IN OATMEAL SHAMPOO.  I'VE CHANGED HER DIET TO WELLNESS DOG FOOD, WHICH DOES NOT CONTAIN CORN AND I WAS TOLD IT'S ONE OF THE BEST ON THE MARKET.  I KNOW BISHIONS ARE VERY ALLERGIC BREED.  CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP HER?  I FEEL SO BAD FOR HER AND HER COAT IS GETTING VERY THIN!  PLEASE HELP ME HELP HER.  THANKS, BARB

ANSWER: My first thought is that she has sarcoptic mange.  HAve her treated for this mite even if your vet doesn't see any mites under the microscope.  It is pretty common and itches like crazy..

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QUESTION: how do they get sarcoptic mange?  and can my other dog catch it from her?  could she have been born with it?

Answer
They can get sarcoptic mange from many sources including the mother, any animal they contact, and sometimes the surface they lay on if other animals have inhabited that. It is highly contagious...Even to people!!!  THey are not born with sarcoptic mange...that is demodex mange.