subject: Dog Mange - Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention [print this page] Dog Mange - Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention
Mange
Dog mange is caused by tiny parasites called mites. Mites are invisible to the eye and burrow under your dog's skin where they cause itching, balding and sores. There are two main types of mange, one referred to as demodex, the other commonly referred to as scabies. Both varieties of dog mange respond well to treatment, which can be administered in the form of dips, ear drops or injections.
Types of Mange
There are two main types of dog mange, one caused by demodex mites (Demodectic Mange), and the other by sarcoptes mites (Sarcoptic Mange or Scabies). Each has its own symptoms:
Demodectic Mange This type of mange is characterized by red, scaly bald patches that can appear in one area or over most of the body. The skin is generally not itchy with this type of mange. Puppies are particularly susceptible to this version, though most develop immunity as they reach adolescence. Dmod tic mange can also be found in adult dogs due to underlying immune system problems that can be caused by cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disease. If the mites enter the hair follicles, Demodectic mange can occasionally become more serious especially when secondary skin infection develops, leading to severe itching, crusty skin and overall weakness in rare cases.
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) This is the more common form of mange and is characterized by red, swollen, and crusty patches of skin that occasionally seep puss. Puss can be a sign of bacterial infection. Sarcoptes mites prefer hairless areas and often show up on the elbows, abdomen and ear tips. This type of mange usually causes the dog to be extremely itchy and uncomfortable. It is also transmittable to humans.
In addition to the two main types of mange, there are also two less common varieties:
Cheyletiella Sometimes called "walking dandruff" because of the tiny white flakes that appear on your dog's back and neck. It is caused by Red Mites or Fur Mites and is characterized by mild itching.
Ear Mange This type of mange is located in the ear, where the so called Ear Mite burrows. It is characterized by a black, gummy discharge. While easily treated, severe cases can lead to hearing loss in rare cases.
Mange Treatment
Traditional mange is usually treated with dips that must be administered like shampoo over several weeks. A common variety is Amitraz. There are also several medications such as Ivermectin that can treat both demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. These are typically administered by injection but can be used orally even though this is considered extra label use. Interceptor can also be used as a treatment option for sarcastic mange. Lime sulfur dips and sprays such as DVM Pharmaceuticals Lyme Dip topical spray can also be used to treat demodectic and sarcoptic mange. Cheyletiella can usually be treated with Frontline, Revolution, or Advantage .
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