by Angie Pollock

Created on: September 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 14, 2009

Mange is an irritable and sometimes highly contagious skin condition caused by a tiny parasite called a mite. There are two major 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 and Sarcoptes 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 believed to be 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.

Otodectic Mange

This form of mange is caused by ear mites (Otodectes cynotis).  They will invade the external ear of a dog.  A dog infested with ear mites may shake its head or scratch at the ears.  The ear can become inflamed and/or infected from scratching and in severe cases, dogs with this type of mange can cause a torn eardrum. 

Walking Dandruff

Often referred

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