One of the most common ailments that effect the health of our island's dogs and cats is a disease called Mange. Mange is a common skin disease of animals caused by any of six varieties of mites. The most severe form of mange is caused by the mite "Sarcoptes scabieie," which is also the cause of human scabies. Some form of mange is known to all domesticated animals, no matter how well taken care of or pampered they are.
Dogs and cats most frequently suffer from two varieties of mange. Demodetic mange occurs when the mites that normally live on your pet quickly multiply beyond normal levels. This condition is more common in dogs than cats, and usually results in areas of hair loss and scaling of the skin. The other type, scabies, occurs when dogs or cats contract this type of mite from another animal. This type of mange is contagious, intensely itchy, and can be passed on to humans. There are many symptoms of mange which include: red or raw skin, scaling around the eyes, mouth and on paws and legs, excessive itching, small  hairless areas, pimple-like sores patches of thickening skin, and hair loss.
Pets with scabies suffer terribly from intense itching. Soaking your pet in a specially prepared bath (usually made of lime/sulfur medications) will kill the mites and help to relieve the itching. If you decide to dip, be sure to douse your pet for 10-15 minutes. Do not rinse when you are done. The medication in the dip needs to stay on the fur in order to do its job. Flea dips to treat mange are available commercially for both cats and dogs.
Odds are, if you have one pet with mange, the others have it, too. Scabies is especially contagious. Even if only one pet is showing symptoms of scabies, be sure to treat all pets in the house.  Mites mostly live on cats and dogs, however some will occasionally slip off and hide in bedding and clothing. If your pet has recently suffered from mites, it's a good idea to wash bedding, furniture covers, dog beds, cat houses and other areas your pet may live or sleep. Pets with mites often make a bad situation worse by opening mite wounds and causing infection. Treat the itch with an over-the-counter antihistamine (like Benadryl).
  Stray dogs and cats that are allowed to interact with your pet can be the source of mange. So can other animals who live nearby and frequent your pet's play or living space. If you see a dog or cat with bald spots or one that scratches excessively, keep your pet away.
Regular grooming helps to remove scaly skin and scabs caused by mange and can also help to prevent them, by keeping their population under control. Dogs should be bathed monthly and cats that will tolerate a bath can handle a dip every two months. For water-resistant pets, try dry or foam shampoos.
Poorly nourished dogs and cats suffer the effects of mange most often. Upgrading your pet's food quality can help to prevent your pet from contracting mange.

• The fundraiser last October raised over $6,000 in a silent auction. Some of the items up for bid were hotel accommodations, t-shirts, caps, sailboard lessons, local art and a TMM-sponsored catamaran trip. The event was hosted by The Toucan Restaurant and Bar at the Royal Palm and featured great live jazz music and dancing. Thanks again to everyone who helped make the evening a rousing success.
  

• The Saga Society sponsored a children's art competition this fall. Over 75 local elementary students entered and