Mange is a term frequently brought up by our clients whenever their dog has a skin condition. While the diagnosis of mange is not uncommon, we see issues from fleas, bacteria and allergy much more commonly.
There are two types of mange in dogs-Demodectic and Sarcoptic. Both are caused by mites and cause skin irritation, but that is about all they have in common.
Sacroptic mange is caused by a mite that burrows through the skin. It causes intense itching and frequently causes a secondary bacterial infection. These dogs tend to be so itchy they have a hard time walking across the room without stopping to scratch. The ears and elbows are common areas of disease, but they can occur anywhere. These mites are also contagious to other pets and even to people. Fortunately they are fairly easy to treat.
Demodectic mange is caused by a mite that lives in the hair follicle and therefore causes hair loss. These mites are actually normal inhabitants of the dog and cause problems in pets with an immature or suppressed immune system. For this reason it tends to be a disease of puppies. As the puppy matures the immune system matures to keep the mites at bay. While it can cause severe hair loss it is not normally itchy unless there is secondary infection. Demodex is more difficult to treat and takes much longer to control, but is not contagious to other pets or people.
Proper treatment requires an accurate diagnosis; therefore, your veterinarian should be involved in treating any case of mange. In most cases, the mites can be cured, resulting in a normal return of the pet’s coat.
- Dr. Cooney
There are two types of mange in dogs-Demodectic and Sarcoptic. Both are caused by mites and cause skin irritation, but that is about all they have in common.
Sacroptic mange is caused by a mite that burrows through the skin. It causes intense itching and frequently causes a secondary bacterial infection. These dogs tend to be so itchy they have a hard time walking across the room without stopping to scratch. The ears and elbows are common areas of disease, but they can occur anywhere. These mites are also contagious to other pets and even to people. Fortunately they are fairly easy to treat.
Demodectic mange is caused by a mite that lives in the hair follicle and therefore causes hair loss. These mites are actually normal inhabitants of the dog and cause problems in pets with an immature or suppressed immune system. For this reason it tends to be a disease of puppies. As the puppy matures the immune system matures to keep the mites at bay. While it can cause severe hair loss it is not normally itchy unless there is secondary infection. Demodex is more difficult to treat and takes much longer to control, but is not contagious to other pets or people.
Proper treatment requires an accurate diagnosis; therefore, your veterinarian should be involved in treating any case of mange. In most cases, the mites can be cured, resulting in a normal return of the pet’s coat.
- Dr. Cooney