My 1 1/2 month old puppy has scabs and bald spots almost all over her body.

by Kimberly
(Providence R.I )

I have a 1 1/2 month old pitbull named Midnight and she has these scabs that form bald spots.

I don't know why she has these bald spots and scabs on the top of her head on her legs and her stomach.

Can you help me understand why she has this on her body?




Hi Kimberly
It sounds to me very much as though your puppy may have a condition called Mange.

Mange in dogs is caused by tiny skin mites and the symptoms are usually a rash of small spots, accompanied by patchy hair loss. Sometimes the spots are itchy, other times they don't seem to bother the pup. Symptoms usually appear on the face/muzzle, chest and front legs at first. But will spread to the rest of the body if left untreated.

Pitbulls are one of the breeds that seem to have a genetic tendency towards Mange. It's an immune system disorder, and tends to flare up when a puppy is under stress.

Luckily, it's completely treatable but you need to take your puppy to your own veterinarian. He/she can make a confirmed diagnosis by examining a tiny skin scraping under a microscope.

Treatment is usually medicated dips, baths or shampoos etc., sometimes other treatments are also added, but your vet will be able to make that assessment.

This condition can make a puppy feel quite miserable and looks unsightly. Please get your little guy to your vet asap so that he can get treated.

Best of luck, hope he's doing much better soon.