Mange is a type of canine skin disease caused by the introduction of one of a variety of mites that invade a dog's body. These parasites can cause moderate to severe health concerns for your dog and are generally characterized by light to severe itching, biting of the skin, hair loss, secondary infection and crusty skin. Mites can attack in great numbers and reproduce in massive quantities on the surface of your dog's skin. Mange can be excruciating for your dog and, if left untreated, even toxic.
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Demodex Canis
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Demodectic mange is caused by a tiny mite, Demodex canis, which can only be seen with the aid of a microscope. This type of mange affects puppies up to 12 months old. While the demodex mite commonly lives in the pores of puppy skin, it normally does not cause mange symptoms. The Demodex canis mite is cable of producing a substance that lowers a dog's resistance to the mites, creating an opportunity for them to multiply. When this occurs, demodectic mange can cause localized hair loss, particularly around the eyes and mouth and on the front legs. It is possible for this mange to correct itself within three months or develop into a generalized case with sites all over the body. At this point the condition requires veterinary attention. The affected areas can be scaly, reddish-colored and crusty-looking. Secondary bacterial infections are not uncommon, leading to inflamed, reddened skin. Demodectic mange is extremely painful for your dog and the itching can be horrific.
Cheyletiella Mite
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Contrary to the tiny microscopic Demodex canis mite, the Cheyletiella mite is a large, reddish mite that can easily be seen under a magnifying glass. The Cheyletiella mite affects puppies and causes mange that is identified by the dandruff dusting that manifests over the dog's back, head and neck. "Walking dandruff" is very contagious but doesn't last long. The mange causes mild itching. The mite dies a short time after leaving the dog.
Sarcoptic Mite
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Scabies or sarcoptic mange is caused by a microscopic mite. The female mite burrows under the dog's skin to lay her eggs, causing intense itching as she does so. In less than three weeks the eggs hatch, grow into adulthood and begin laying their own eggs. Dogs that have scabies bite and dig at their skin with great intensity. Their skin oozes sores and secondary infection often occurs, requiring antibiotic treatment in addition to treatment for the mites. Unfortunately, diagnosis is problematic because the sarcoptic mange mite can be difficult to find in skin scrapings. Unless the vet separates the hair and carefully examines the skin for the typical bite marks, scabies may go undiagnosed. Worse, a secondary skin infection can hamper the search for the bite marks. Outward signs of sarcoptic mange are crusty ear tips, fierce itching and hair loss (most noticeably on the ears, face, legs and elbows). As the condition spreads, the hair loss spreads over the body. Sarcoptic mange is contagious to both dogs and humans.
Mange Treatments
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Amitraz (Mitoban) is the recommended treatment for mange. It is a topical treatment shown to be almost 80 percent effective. The anti-parasitic medication ivermectin (Ivomec) has also been shown to be safe and highly effective against the demodex mite.
Preventing Infestation
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Healthy dogs Keep your pet free of mite infestation by keeping it healthy and hygienic. Pampered pets that are housed in a clean environment are not susceptible to mites and other skin diseases. Visit the veterinarian regularly.
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