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 to as walking dandruff, the Cheyletiella yasguri mite can visually be seen moving on a dog's skin. This mite is highly contagious especially in environments where multiple pets are housed. The life cycle of these mites is only a short 3 weeks but in that amount of time they can infest other animals and humans that come into contact with an infected dog.
Trombiculosis
This rarely discussed type of mange is caused a mite of the Trombiculidae family. The larvae live on their host and feed until they are engorged. These tiny reddish-orange parasites can be seen on the dog and are sometimes referred to as chiggers. A dog infested with these mites will have hair loss and severe itching which can lead to lesions and wounds from scratching. Even after the mites have left the dog, the itching and skin inflammation can remain. Chiggers in dogs is also referred to as Trombiculiasis which is caused by the trombiculid mite.
In any of these cases, 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 different types of mange can 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.
References:
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
THE MERCK/MERIAL MANUAL FOR PET HEALTH, Home edition, copyright 2007.