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Mange is an irritable and sometimes highly contagious skin condition caused by a tiny parasite called a mite. There are two types of mange, Sarcoptes which is caused by the sarcoptic mange mite and Demodex, caused by the demodectic or red mange mite. The skin problems associated with these mites is referred to as mange.

Demodex is not contagious however, sarcoptic mange is highly contagious. Sarcoptes, sometimes referred to as canine scabies, can spread from dogs to cats and while very rare, it has also been known to spread to humans. The sarcoptic mange mite will bury itself into the top layers of the skin which makes the dog very uncomfortable, itchy and can literally keep a dog from everyday functions.

Demodex may not be contagious but it can also make a dog uncomfortable and cause itching. Some dogs that carry the demodectic mite have no problems and won't show any outward appearance of having these mites on their skin. This type of mange can be associated with a genetic defect and dogs that may have immune problems can be debilitated by this mange that some refer to as the red mange.

There are two forms of demodectic mange-localized and generalized. Localized demodectic mange usually affects dogs in their first year of life and is confined to certain areas on the body. Often mistaken for ringworm, these patches or "hot spots" can cause balding on the face, forelegs and near the eyes. While most cases of localized demodectic mange can clear up on their own, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian to confirm that the dog does have this condition. Since this condition is passed on genetically, the dog should be spayed or neutered so not to pass the disease onto other dogs.

Generalized demodectic mange will spread out over the entire body and can happen during any stage of the dog's life. The condition can become serious for the dog's well-being to the extent of being life-threatening. What can start out as patches on the skin can quickly spread throughout the coat causing major hair loss, open wounds from scratching and infections.

In either case, the mange will need to be treated by a veterinarian. A scraping of the skin will be taken and examined under a microscope to determine what type of mange the dog is suffering from. This is important since treatments for the two types vary. While sarcoptic mange can be treated with drugs including antibiotics and dips, demodex mange can be somewhat trickier to treat. When a dog has been diagnosed with severe demodex or red mange, the dog is often euthanized due to the expense and length of the treatment. If caught early, the dog has a fighting chance of treatment with drugs, baths and dips. A veterinarian can also prescribe medications to help control the itching. After a dog has been treated for mange, it is important to disinfect or even discard any bedding that the dog may have come in contact with during an infestation.

Old-timers may suggest treating mange with burnt motor oil-this does not work and can even cause more irritation and skin damage. Mange is a sufferable condition for dogs and needs to be treated early to prevent open sores that lead to infections. If you see a dog with any hair loss, keep your pets away from the infected dog. If you start to see hair loss in your own pet, seek veterinarian care immediately.

Sources:

THE EVERYTHING DOG HEALTH BOOK by Kim Campbell Thornton and Debra Eldredge, DVM, copyright 2005

THE AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG HEALTH AND CARE by Sally Bordwell, special consultant Alan Dubowy, DVM, copyright 1994

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