by Liza Cameron Wasser

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites. If you suspect that your dog has mange you should visit your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and receive treatment.

Demodectic Mange

The most common form of mange in dogs is demodectic mange, which is sometimes called demodex, and lives on the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs carry demodectic mites at one time or another, and as long as the dog's immune system is healthy, these mites will cause no problems to your dog. Demodectic mange occurs most often in dogs with an immature or suppressed immune system. Dogs under the age of 18 months, whose immune systems are not matured, are most prone to demodectic mange. Very old dogs, whose immune systems may not be as healthy due to advanced age, are sometimes also susceptible to demodectic mange. If an adult dog has demodectic mange, it is caused by a defective immune system, which may be a sign of a more severe problem.

The disease is not contagious and is generally not itchy, but there is hair loss, usually beginning on the face and spreading, in patches of bald spots, from there. Also, demodectic mange can cause red inflamed skin, which is how the term red mange came into use to describe this disease. Mange can be localized or general. Localized mange can be treated with a topical medication applied to the affected areas. Generalized mange, which has spread from patches here and there to cover large areas of the dog's skin, can be treated with dips, special shampoos and, sometimes, oral medication or injections. If mange is generalized, the dog is susceptible to other skin afflictions like bacterial or yeast infections. Any secondary skin infections must be treated in addition to treating the mange.

The prognosis with localized demodectic mange is generally successful, using topical medication. If the dog's immune system is compromised, however, demodectic mange may not respond to treatment.

There is really no way to prevent demodectic mange, since the demodectic mite is normally harmless to a healthy dog with a mature immune system. Keeping your dog healthy and well-fed is your best defense against demodectic mange.

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows under the skin. This disease is sometimes referred to as canine scabies. The sympoms of sarcoptic mange are severe itching and hair loss. Small red pustules with a yellow crust can sometimes also be seen. The itching worsens in warmer environments.

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