Mange, caused by tiny microscopic bugs known as mites, affects both young and old dogs. The mites appear as small eight-legged spiders when observed under a microscope. Each type of mange is caused by a specific type of mite that lives on the surface of the dog and burrows into the skin, causing irritation, itching and pain. A veterinarian will diagnose mange by performing a physical exam on the dog and then obtaining skin scrapings to analyze under a microscope.
-
Sarcoptic Mange
-
Sarcoptic mange, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, causes excessive hair loss, itching and discomfort. The mites can infect humans when transferred from a dog. The mites infect all breeds and ages of dogs. The females burrow under the skin&'s surface to lay eggs which causes the canine to suffer skin irritation and itching. The mites can live off the dog for up to 22 days in the environment, according to Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education. This requires treatment to both the dog and the dog&'s surrounding habitat.
Treatments can include bi-weekly dips over the course of 8 weeks to kill the mites on the dog. Organophosphate and lime sulphur dips have been shown effective against sarcoptic mange. Monthly topical applications of Selamectin also helps kill the mange mites.
Demodectic Mange
-
Demodectic mange is caused by three mite varieties, Demodex gatoi, Demodex canis and Demodex injai. The mites live on all dogs and are passed from the mother dog to the puppies during nursing. The healthy dog&'s natural immune system keeps the mites in check. However, mange often develops if the young puppy or dog&'s immune system become disrupted due to genetic factors or physical illness. The mange is not transferable to other dogs or humans, unlike sarcoptic mange or cheyletiellosis mange.
Most common in puppies, mange often resolves itself with no medical treatment, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. If the infestation becomes severe and the dog begins to show extensive hair loss, the veterinarian will determine if an underlying medical cause may be causing the immune system to not step forward and fight the mange mites. If no underlying cause is found, the dog is often prescribed Ivermectin orally or treated using Amitraz. Both carry side effects, and can be dangerous for certain herding breeds, so check with your veterinarian.
Cheyletiellosis Mange
-
Cheyletiellosis mange is caused by the Cheyletiella yasguri mite. It is highly contagious and transferable to humans and cats. The mange normally occurs in unsanitary conditions such as puppy mills, according to Pet Place. Infected dogs exhibit what appears to be dandruff in their fur but on close observation the "dandruff" moves and is actually the tiny mites. The movement of the mites causes extreme itching, flaking skin and areas of red irritation.
Once a diagnosis of cheyletiellosis mange is made, the dog may be prescribed oral Ivermectin. Amitraz dips are also used. Pyrethrin sprays applied over the course of four weeks is also an effective treatment.
-