Mange, a skin disease caused by mites, causes a variety of symptoms depending on the type of mite at fault, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Dogs with mange should be seen by a veterinarian to determine the type of mange and proper treatment. Medication might be required to treat mange, though monitoring the condition is recommended.
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Sarcoptic Mange
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Sarcoptic mange, technically known as Sarcoptes scabei, is easily spread between dogs and can even be transferred to humans. These tiny mites are oval and light in color. Symptoms in canines include extreme itchiness, scratching and frantic, excited behavior. Over time, hair loss, skin irritation and sores may be evident. In humans, sarcoptic mange causes a red, bumpy rash. Getting rid of sarcoptic mange can be difficult if the dog's home environment is not well maintained. Cages, bedding, collars and other dog items must be cleaned or replaced to avoid the recurrence of this condition, according to the ASPCA.
Demodectic Mange
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Demodectic mange mites are a normal presence on dogs and not usually a cause for concern. However, these mite populations can sometimes multiply. Localized demodectic mange occurs only in a spot or two on the body, causing bald spots and scaly skin. Localized cases are common in puppies and do not generally require treatment. Generalized demodectic mange occurs over larger portions of the body and bacterial infections sometimes occur as a result. Generalized cases may indicate underlying health problems in a dog, such as a weakened immune system. Demodectic pododermatitis, affecting only the feet, is most resistant to treatment and also most likely to result in secondary bacterial infections.
Diagnosis
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Veterinarians diagnose mange through physical examination, medical history and skin scrapings used to identify mites. Mange mites located deep in the skin can be difficult to detect. Diagnosis in these cases depends on signs and symptoms along with case history, according to the ASPCA.
Treatment
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Treatment varies depending on the type of mange and the individual case. Topical medications, injections, shampoos or drugs given orally may be used to treat mange. In cases of sarcoptic mange, isolation prevents the dog from spreading mites to other pets or humans. Anti-parasitic medication and others used to treat symptoms usually provide results within a month. Additional medication may be needed for secondary infections in severe cases. After two consecutive skin scrapes confirm no presence of mites, medication can be discontinued. A final skin scrape approximately one month later will be done to check for a recurrence.
Recurrence
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Avoid recurrences of sarcoptic mange by keeping your dog away from other possibly infected animals. Check for a recurrence through skin scrapes performed during frequent checkups with the veterinarian. Puppies with localized demodectic mange should not face problems with recurrences. Older dogs suffering from generalized demodectic mange may have underlying health issues which must be addressed to prevent a recurrence. Some breeds are more susceptible to mange; if your dog has recurring issues with mange, he should not be breed to avoid passing this problem to offspring, the ASPCA advises.
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