How to Tell If Your Dog Has Mange: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Mange is a skin disease in dogs caused by microscopic mites. Recognizing the early signs and seeking timely veterinary care are crucial for recovery. There are several types of mange, each with specific symptoms and treatments.
Types of Mange and Their Symptoms
- Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites that burrow under the skin. It is highly contagious and causes intense itching, rashes, thickened or crusty skin (particularly on ear tips, elbows, and abdomen), hair loss, weight loss, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Demodectic Mange: Caused by Demodex mites, which naturally live in small numbers in the hair follicles. It emerges when the immune system is immature or compromised. There are two types: localized (small red patches, usually on face or limbs, mild itching) and generalized (widespread hair loss, skin lesions, infections, swelling, lethargy).
- Otodectic Mange: Caused by Otodectes cynotis (ear mites), presenting with ear scratching, head shaking, and dark ear discharge.
- Cheyletiellosis (Walking Dandruff): Caused by Cheyletiella mites, leading to heavy dandruff and possible itchiness, often along the dog’s back.
- Trombiculosis (Chiggers): Caused by larvae of Trombiculidae, resulting in red bumps and crusting, commonly on feet, ears, or abdomen.
How Mange Spreads
- Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other animals and humans through direct or indirect contact (e.g., bedding).
- Demodectic mange is not contagious, but suggests underlying health issues in adult dogs.
Diagnosis
Veterinary examination is essential. Typical diagnostic methods include:
- Skin scrapings (to detect mites)
- Hair sample analysis
- Skin biopsies (in complex cases)
- Observation of clinical signs
Since mange mimics other skin issues like allergies, ringworm, or bacterial infections, differentiating through testing is necessary.
Treatment Options
- Sarcoptic Mange: Treated with topical or oral anti-parasitics (e.g., isoxazolines like fluralaner or sarolaner), lime-sulfur dips, and environmental sanitization.
- Demodectic Mange: Localized cases may resolve spontaneously; more severe cases require medications and treatment of secondary infections.
- All mange types: Address any secondary bacterial or yeast infections, support the immune system, and avoid breeding affected dogs due to possible genetic links.
Prevention and Management
- Regular veterinary visits
- Routine flea and tick prevention
- Maintain a healthy diet and reduce stress
- Isolate infected animals and disinfect their environment
- Avoid breeding if there is a genetic predisposition
Prognosis
With early detection and proper treatment, the prognosis is generally positive, especially for sarcoptic mange and localized demodicosis. Generalized demodicosis may require longer treatment and investigation of underlying health issues.
Veterinary advice is crucial. Avoid over-the-counter or home remedies which can worsen the condition. Managing mange effectively ensures your dog’s comfort and long-term health.
