1st May 2006

Our border collie has a type of 'cradle cap'. What should we do?

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Question:

We’ve had our Border collie, Taz, for just over three weeks. Since we’ve had her, she hasn’t stopped scratching. I know she hasn’t got fleas, but she does have a type of ‘cradle cap’. What can I do? It’s getting to the point where she is starting to make herself bleed.

Answer:

Heavy flakiness in the coat and severe scratching could be caused by cheyletiella, a mange mite that lives and feeds upon the surface of the skin. This parasite can be found on dogs, cats and rabbits. The diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of skin scrapings taken from an infected animal. The condition is treated with topical sprays or shampoo that kills the mites. Other causes of the scratching, such as bacterial or fungal infection, are also a possibility. A trip to the vet will determine the cause of the problem.