What is Mange in Dogs

Dog Mange

Questions

  • What are the Types of Mange?
  • What Causes Sarcoptic Mange?
  • What Causes Demodectic Mange?
  • What are the Symptoms of Mange in Dogs?
  • How do you Diagnose Mange in Dogs?
  • How do you Treat Mange in Dogs?
  • How do you Prevent the Spread of Mange?
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Mange (FAQs)
Mange is a very common skin disease seen in dogs. It’s caused by little mites located at the hair follicles. There are two different types of mites that can cause mange which we discuss in this article. Mange can be very contagious and it is zoonotic, which means dogs can pass it on to humans.
If you spot your dog scratching themselves frequently, or you see changes in their coat such as bald patches or thinning of the hair, there is a chance your dog could have mange. If you are worried your dog might be affected, speak to your vet to arrange a check-up. The good news is that mange is relatively straightforward to treat and it’s preventable too.

What are the Types of Mange?

Two main types of mange affect dogs. These are sarcoptic mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, and demodectic mange, caused by Demodex canis, Demodex injai, or Demodex cornei.
Sarcoptic mange mites burrow deep into the skin of dogs and use the debris from the skin as their food source. It’s also known as Scabies which is the term commonly used when describing the human form of the infection. It’s less common than demodectic mange. It’s often seen in stray dogs or dogs which are immunosuppressed in some way. It can affect dogs of any age.
Demodectic mange, sometimes called red mange, is more common than sarcoptic mange. It’s frequently passed from a bitch to her puppies when she’s nursing them. It’s not readily passed from dog to dog or dog to human.

What Causes Sarcoptic Mange?

The mite Sarcoptes scabiei is responsible for causing sarcoptic mange in dogs.
Dogs frequently catch the mite from other dogs they have been in close contact with. They can also catch it from wild animals that they may encounter. This can be animals such as foxes, for example. Sarcoptes species do not survive for very long in the environment without a host. Bad hygiene isn’t a direct cause, however, it can exacerbate the situation.

What Causes Demodectic Mange?

Most dogs carry Demodex on their skin with no clinical signs reported.
Demodex is often found in small numbers as a commensal on the skin and in the ear canals. The mites benefit from the host without causing any harm. Only a small number go on to develop visible diseases. Demodectic mange is a result of excessive numbers of demodex species. Typically, they become established if a dog has a weakened immune system. Elderly dogs, puppies, and any dog with an underlying medical condition are more likely to develop demodectic mange. Usually, the mite is only passed between dogs when the mother is nursing her puppies.

What are the Symptoms of Mange in Dogs?

 Common clinical signs of mange usually include:
  1. Itching

  2. Scratching

  3. Alopecia

  4. Raised bumps on the skin

  5. Redness of skin

  6. Raw patches where the dog has rubbed or licked

  7. Crusting/scaling

  8. Thickening of skin, especially around ears, and joints of limbs

  9. Secondary skin infections

  10. Weight loss

  11. Lethargy

  12. Depression

  13. Reduced Appetite

  14. Enlarged palpated lymph nodes

How do you Diagnose Mange in Dogs?

 Your vet will begin by taking a thorough clinical history and examine your dog from top to tail.
If they are suspicious of mange, they will carry out some skin-specific tests. These include a skin scrape test, in which a scalpel blade is run over the skin to collect debris and hair follicles for analysis under the microscope. A hair pluck may be performed again for analysis under the microscope. Tape impressions can also be carried out to look for the presence of mites. Ear swabs may be taken if clinical signs affect the ears. Some severe cases may require skin biopsies.

How do you Treat Mange in Dogs?

There are several effective treatments for mange. Topical medications, shampoos, and antiparasite medications are all available and your vet will be able to discuss which type of treatment protocol is best suited to your dog. If severe infestations are present, antibiotics are sometimes required. Short-term use of steroids may be indicated to control itching. Treatment will vary depending on the location of the lesions and the severity of the problem.

How do you Prevent the Spread of Mange?

Sarcoptic mange can easily be spread to any dog that has close contact.
If you know your dog has sarcoptic mange, keep it away from other animals until the mites have gone. Thoroughly clean all bedding and carpets during and after an infestation. Discuss preventative treatment for mites with your vet as this may be an option for your dog as well.
 Demodectic mange doesn't require such strict environmental cleaning measures as it isn’t usually transferred between dogs. Prevention medication is still advised.

Frequently Asked Questions on Mange (FAQs)

What are the first signs of mange?
The first signs of mange include itching, crusting and scaling, hair loss, and excoriations (self-inflicted wounds).
Can humans get mange from dogs?
Humans can get sarcoptic mange from dogs as it is a highly contagious zoonotic disease. It is very unlikely that humans will get demodectic mange from dogs as it is not spread from humans to dogs or vice versa.
How long does mange last in dogs?
Mange can last variable amounts of time. Dogs with mild infestations generally tend to recover quicker than dogs with severe infections. If the dog has underlying health issues or if they are very young or old they are likely to be worse affected. It can take weeks or months for symptoms to fully resolve and for the skin to get back to normal.
Mange is a common issue seen on dogs' skin. It’s relatively easy to manage if signs are flagged up early on. Most dogs affected by mange fully recover when given the appropriate treatment. If a dog is repeatedly getting mange it may be due to an underlying health issue such as a chronic illness or secondary infection. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns, they will be able to advise you on any action or treatment required.