Mange Skin Disorders in Dogs
- There are three main types of mange that affect dogs. These are demodectic mange, cheyletiella mange and sarcoptic mange skin conditions. These conditions are caused by mites and the different types of mite indicate the different types of mange. Mange is named for the mite that causes the condition. Sarcoptic mange is caused by the Sarcoptes Scabiei Canis mite, the demodectic mange is caused by the Demodex Canis mite, and cheyletiella mange is caused by mites from the genus Cheyletiella.
- Each type of mange has its own set of features. The demodectic mange typically appears in puppies ranging from 3 to 12 months in age. These puppies will often present with a mange infection by showing hair loss around the mouth, eyes and front paws. This mange often causes hair loss in 1-inch round patches, although hair loss can be excessive if the puppy is allowed to chew or lick his paws and legs.
The cheyletiella mange is also called walking dandruff because of the presentation of the infection. The mite that causes this condition leaves behind a white dandruff on the dog that appears in the neck, back and head. This condition is very contagious but easily treated.
Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is very difficult to diagnose and treat. This mite burrows into the dog's skin and lays eggs that will later erupt from the dog's body. This mite is highly contagious to both people and other pets. The presentation is often seen in the secondary infections and the widespread hair loss in the dog. The dog's skin will be very itchy and the skin will ooze where the eggs have been laid. This is much more difficult to treat. - Mange is typically treated with antibiotics and medicated baths. In the case of demodectic and cheyletiella mange, one treatment of a medicated bath is typically all that is needed. These conditions also tend to be self-limiting mange skin disorders. While they can be annoying to both the dog and the owner, they do not typically threaten a dog's life.
Sarcoptic mange, on the other hand, is most often treated with a series of antibiotics, medicated baths and anti-inflammatory medications. This condition is very difficult to treat and can become life threatening if allowed to continue. The chances of a fatal skin infection is higher with this form of mange. Sarcoptic mange is not self limiting and may continue until the death of the pet and may be spread to others, including humans and other pets. - Mange can be prevented by keeping the pet clean of all parasites. Using a mild medicated bath as a prevention may be an option. Anti-flea shampoo often appears to keep the mites at bay and away from the dog. The dog should also be kept away from dogs that appear to have hair loss or infected skin. The dog should also be taken to the veterinarian for any skin conditions that may appear as allergies, because a dog presenting with mange may display symptoms that appear as allergies. This is especially true if the dog develops these symptoms in the fall or winter months. Finding and diagnosing the problem early can prevent a heavy infestation.
- There is a strong link between a dog's genetics and the likelihood of the dog developing mange. The dogs that display mange symptoms, especially demodectic mange, appear to have a lower immunity to the mites and therefore are more likely to be affected. To help stabilize the breeds and build an immune breed, these dogs should not be bred if more than a localized infection is presented. Dogs most likely to be more sensitive and lack an immunity to the condition include Old English sheepdogs and Shar-Peis.
