When the family dog begins to scratch and lose hair, the reason may be allergies, but it might also be mites, a skin condition that can be transferred to humans. This skin condition caused by mites is also called mange. The only way to know for sure is by a veterinary examination and diagnosis. Fortunately, there is medication to treat mange.
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Types/Symptoms
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Mange in dogs is a disease caused by several different species of parasitic mites that live in and on the dog's skin and hair. The mites reproduce and feed on disintegrating skin and hair cells and can cause hair loss, sores and extreme itching, although symptoms will vary depending on the kind of mite identified by the veterinarian.
Sarcoptic mange, or scabies, is extremely pruitic (itchy) in dogs and is contagious to both other dogs and humans. Typically, symptoms include red, crusty lesions on the ears, elbows and trunk of the animal, and there may be sores and infection present owing to repeated scratching of the itch.
Demodectic mange lives benignly within the body of most dogs. However, if the immune system becomes compromised by disease, other parasites or malnourishment, the number of mites can over-multiply and cause hair loss and red patches. Found mostly on the face and around the eyes, mouth and ears of the dog, these red patches don't itch, but the dog may have skin infections and be running a fever.
Demodectic Mange Treatment
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In dogs with localized demodex (just a few lesions), vets may recommend an anti-parasitic ointment such as Goodwinol or Canex to apply to the lesions daily. Dogs with the more serious generalized demodex (lesions found all over the body with major hair loss) are usually treated to a series of three to six Mitaban dips at the vet clinic. The dip is allowed to dry on the dog's coat, and the veterinarian may also recommend treating the skin with an antibiotic to alleviate infection. The dips are commonly repeated in weekly or bi-weekly intervals.
The anti-parasitic dips work by inhibiting the enzyme production in the mite that allows it to breathe, in effect smothering it. Repetitive dips are necessary to kill the mites that are burrowed deep within the dog's skin.
Sarcoptic Mange Treatment
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Dogs with sarcoptic mange are treated every two weeks with a paramite dip until the mites can no longer be seen under a microscope. In adult dogs, the vet may also recommend a paramite dust to be rubbed through the entire coat. This dust can be toxic to puppies under 12 weeks old. Veterinarians may also prescribe an antibiotic such as Cephalexin for dogs with secondary skin infections.
Prevention
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The best way to protect a dog from any kind of mange is to keep him well-nourished and healthy with an intact immune system. Not allowing a healthy dog around another animal with mange will also prevent any transmission of the disease.
Considerations
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The only way to diagnose mange in dogs is by a veterinary skin scraping or skin biopsy. The veterinary staff will usually use a surgical scalpel to take a deep scrape of several of the dog's lesions and then examine the hair and skin cells under a microscope looking for live mites. The species of mite identified determines the treatment needed to kill it. The skin scraping or biopsy commonly leaves a small, bloody patch on the affected lesions but these will heal over time and with antibiotics. After treatment, the veterinarian will usually recommend periodic skin scrapings to make sure the mites have not returned.
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