by Laura Montana

Created on: June 28, 2009   Last Updated: February 10, 2012

When most people think of mange, if they think about it at all, they think of dogs. The fact is some types of mange can infect cats, livestock, wildlife, and people. Even though the word 'mange' is used generically, there are three distinct types of this skin condition: Demodectic, Cheyletiella, and Sarcoptic. Each type of mange is caused by a different type of mite burrowing under the skin. These mites vary in size but all have eight legs and are related to the spider.

Demodetic Mange

Demodetic mange is caused by a microscopic mite that can only be passed from mother dog to pup. This type of mange causes hair loss around the eyes, mouth, and front legs and sometimes one inch patches of hair on the body. It is most often seen in three to twelve month old puppies. However, stress may cause an outbreak in older dogs. Also, purebred dogs may have a lowered resistance to this mite. Demodetic mange usually clears up without treatment by the age of three months. If it lasts longer than that or there is an outbreak on an older dog, it will require treatment. This type of mange can also start as a localized infestation with multiple hair loss sites on the head, legs, and body. The skin may get sore and have a crusty appearance and oozing may occur. This is serious and requires immediate veterinary care.

Cheyletiella Mange

Cheyletiella, also know as walking dandruf, gets its nick-name from what appears to be dandruff on the pup's head, neck, or back, but are actually large mites. It is very contagious and causes mild to moderate itching.  These mites do not burrow under the skin as do the sarcoptic mites.  Treatment requires dipping the animal six to eight times at weekly intervals.  All animals on the premises must be treated and the animal's environment must also be treated and sanitized.

Sarcoptic Mange

By far the worst kind of mange is the Sarcoptic. The female mite burrows under the skin to lay her eggs; within three weeks the new mites are old enough to lay their own eggs. Skin scrapings usually do not provide proof of the mite's presence, however, the bite marks, which look like red pin-pricks, can be seen by parting the dogs hair and inspecting the skin. These mites cause intense itching and the victim will scratch until oozing sores develop. This secondary infection can require antibiotics. This mange will cause crusty ear tips, intense itching, and hair loss. It is contagious to other animals and humans. Sarcoptic mange is called 'scabies' when it spreads to humans, however, since the mite's eggs will not hatch in human skin, the infestation lasts only about three weeks. Sarcoptic mange must be treated by a vet, the sooner the better.

Mange of any kind can cause extreme discomfort. Left untreated it may cause serious health issues.  The good news is, with proper treatment  your pet can be healthy and comfortable once again.

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