Mange Treatment for a Fox

Dog enthusiasts who become bored with domestic canines occasionally turn to more exotic species such as wolves and foxes. The large ears, sweet faces and gentle dispositions of foxes have aided them in transitioning from an irritating pest to exotic pets. Foxes are similar to domestic dogs in temperament and intelligence, although they are prone to common canine illnesses such as mange. Treating mange is essential to the health and well-being of your fox.

  1. Types

    • Foxes are members of the canine family, and suffer from three distinctive types of dog mange: cheyletiella, dermodectic and sarcoptic. Cheyletiella mange is a short-lived type caused by large red mites that attack the back and neck of the fox. Dermodectic mange is more difficult to get rid of and is caused by microscopic mites that live in the pores of puppies and young adults. Sarcoptic mange is caused by mites burrowing under the skin and is the most contagious type of mange, quickly spreading to other pets and humans.

    Symptoms

    • Cheyletiella mange is characterized by large, white flakes of skin along the back and neck of the fox, with mild itching around the base of the ears. The signs of dermodectic mange in foxes include thinning of the coat around the face and ears, with larger patches of hair loss over the body. The fox will rub himself against solid objects and dig at his skin to ease itching. Foxes suffering from sarcoptic mange will bite at themselves and have bald patches of crusty, scaly skin.

    Treatment

    • You can treat cheyletiella mange by bathing the fox in a pest-control dog shampoo every three days though the mite's 21-day life cycle. Dermodectic mange is more difficult to treat because the mites produce a substance that lowers the fox's resistance to them. Bathing the fox in dermodectic shampoo and applying canine insecticide ointment can eliminate them. Treat sarcoptic infestations with injections of ivomectin or other broad-spectrum insecticide to drive the mites out of the skin.

    Cost

    • You can clear up cheyletiella and sarcoptic infestations in the fox with just a few treatments that often cost under $100, depending on the price of the office visit to your veterinarian. Dermodectic mange is resistant to many forms of insecticides and requires repeated trips to the vet. Your vet will perform multiple tests on each visit, drawing blood and taking skin scrapings, with a full course of treatment costing upwards of $500.

    Considerations

    • Purchase your fox from a breeder rather than taking a wild kit. It is against the law in most places to remove a wild fox from her natural environment. Schedule the fox for an appointment with your vet before bringing her home. He will examine her to make sure she is healthy and free of any diseases that can be transmitted to your pets. Keep pet foxes away from any animals known to have mites or people infected with scabies.