Mange
Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Two different mange mites cause skin disease in dogs. One (the demodectic mite) resides in the hair follicles, while the other (the sarcoptic mite) lives just under the surface of the skin.
It is important not to confuse the two types of mange because they have different causes, treatments, and prognoses.
DEMODECTIC MANGE
What causes demodectic mange?
Demodectic mange, sometimes just called "demodex", is caused by the demodectic mange mite, a parasite which lives in the hair follicles of affected dogs. Under the microscope, this mite appears shaped like an alligator with 8 legs. All dogs (and many humans) have a few of these mites on their skin. As long as the body's immune system is functioning, these mites cause no harm.
Demodectic mange most often occurs when a dog has an immature immune system, allowing the mites to grow rapidly. Therefore, this disease occurs primarily in dogs less than 12-18 months of age. In most cases, as a dog matures, the immune system also matures. Adult dogs which have the disease usually have defective immune systems.
Does this mean that demodectic mange is not contagious?
Yes. Since the mite is found on virtually all dogs, exposure of a normal dog to one with demodectic mange is not dangerous.
Why doesn't the immune system mature correctly in some dogs?
Development of the immune system is under genetic control. Thus, an affected dog usually comes from a litter containing other affected puppies. Owners of litter mates should be put on the alert to watch for it. Because the disease is often due to a genetic defect, affected dogs should not be bred. Also, parents of the affected dog should not be bred again.
Sometimes the disease can occur as a result of treatment of the dog with
immunosuppressive drugs (eg corticosteroids).
What does demodectic mange do to the dog?
Surprisingly, a dog with demodectic mange does not itch severely, even though it loses hair in patches. Areas of bare skin will be seen. The hair loss usually begins on the face, especially around the eyes. When there are only a few patches of hair loss, it is termed localised demodectic mange. If the disease spreads to many areas of the skin, it becomes generalised demodectic mange.
How is demodectic mange treated?
Treatment involves using topical skin treatments. Often special cleansing shampoos
are used on the skin first to flush out the hair follicles, followed by application of
an insecticidal wash called Aludex. Aludex contains the insecticide
amitraz. The manufacturer's instructions must be carefully followed.
If your dog goes off food, is sick or unusually quiet, please contact us.
After the treatment it will be necessary to examine your dog for the presence of live mites or mite eggs. Further treatment will be determined by the results. When applying
Aludex be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent getting it on your hands.
For dogs with generalised demodectic mange, secondary skin infections may represent a complicating factor requiring antibiotic therapy. Dogs with skin infections have very red, inflamed skin and these dogs are usually itchy.
What is the prognosis for my dog?
Treatment of the localised form is generally successful. Treatment of the generalised form is also usually successful. However, if the abnormality in the immune system is severe the dog may require regular treatment for the rest of its life.
Following successful treatment, is it likely to recur?
Because the immune system does not mature until 12-18 months of age, a dog with demodectic mange may have relapses until that age. It is important for
further treatment to begin promptly to minimise the possibility of developing uncontrollable problems. Demodectic mange may also occur in very old dogs because function of the immune system often declines with age. Dogs who
are immunosuppressed due to illness or medication are also more susceptible to demodectic mange.
SARCOPTIC MANGE
What causes sarcoptic mange?
Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite that burrows just beneath the surface of the skin. It may also crawl around on the skin surface. The mite feeds on material in and on the skin.
What does it do to the dog?
The presence of the sarcoptic mite causes severe itching. The dog will chew and scratch its skin constantly. This leads to the loss of large amounts of hair, especially on the
ears, legs and belly. Eventually, the skin will become thickened and will darken due to pigmentation.
Is it contagious?
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs; it is also contagious to humans, and is known as scabies. The dog's bedding should be discarded or if this is not possible, it should be regularly washed in hot water with bleach or one of the specific anti-scabies shampoos. Although the mites are not able to complete their life cycle on humans, they will cause quite a bit of itching before they finally die. If you have developed an itch and your dog has scabies contact your family doctor to discuss the various treatment options available.
How is sarcoptic mange diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by a skin scraping that is examined under the microscope. However if only a small number of mites are present on the dog all skin scrapings may be negative. A presumptive diagnosis is then made because the signs are so suspicious and treatment is commenced without the confirmation of a skin scraping. Age is not a significant factor in sarcoptic mange. Although most common in puppies, it affects dogs of all ages.
How is it treated?
There are insecticidal dips and shampoos which are effective against this mite.
Weekly bathing will be necessary for at least 4 weeks, at which time your dog should be re-examined to determine if further treatment is needed. Should bathing not prove effective injections with a preparation called
ivermectin may be successful but this product is not licensed for use in dogs. Your veterinary surgeon will discuss the implications prior to its use. It is important to remember that all in contact animals are also treated.
