An 8 month old Chihuahua who is suffering from Demodectic mange.
Have you ever called a dog “mangy” thinking it was just another word for a rascally type of dog? Well, you’re not alone, but the word actually refers to a skin condition called mange that is caused by microscopic mites. But what is mange? How do you know if your dog has it? And what treatment is available to get rid of the tiny buggers?

There are a few types of mange, but the two most common types are Demodectic and Sarcoptic mange. In both kinds, the condition causes the skin to be itchy, red, flaky, and irritated. Often, dogs with mange will have hair loss in the effected areas.

Sarcoptic Mange

General info: Sarcoptic mange is very contagious and can be easily transfered to humans (we just don’t call it mange for humans, we call it scabies – ew!) and other animals. It is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei var Canis, which burrows into the skin. Sarcoptic mange can affect dogs of any age and health, but is relatively easy to treat. 

Diagnosis: Symptoms of Sarcoptic mange usually include hair loss and severe itching. Small red pustules develop on the skin and will often become yellowish and crusty. Itching can cause secondary infections, and after a while, the skin can darken in color. The itching is often worse in warm conditions. Sarcoptic mange is often misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction. Adding to that trouble is the fact that the standard method of diagnosing Sarcoptic mange is to perform a skin scraping to find evidence of mites. Unfortunately, only 20% of infected dogs will show Sarcoptes mites on any given scraping. On ThePetCenter.com, the site mentions a simple test called the Pedal-Pinna Reflex Test which can help you determine if your dog has sarcoptic mites. The test involves watching if your dog reflexively scratches with its back leg when the underside of the pinna (ear flap) is scratched. Dogs with mites will always involuntarily “pedal” when this area is scratched .

Treatment: There are several ways to treat Sarcoptic mange. In the past, the main treatment included a shampoo with benzoyl peroxide and a Mitabin, Amitraz, or Lime-Sulfar dip, but this treatment is very labor intensive and not always effective. These days, the most common products used to treat Sarcoptic mange are topical solutions that are applied once a month, including Selamectin (Revolution), some Frontline products, and an off-label (not FDA approved) injection treatment called ivermectin. Ivermectin should not be used in some herdings dogs and dogs of the Collie family, including Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Australian Shepherds, as these dogs  are more likely to have a mutation that makes ivermectin use dangerous.

Demodectic Mange

General info: Demodectic mange, also called Demodex mange, is the most common form of canine mange. It is caused by the Demodex canis or Demodex injai mite, which live inside of the hairfollicles. Unlike Sarcoptic mange, it is not considered contagious (except to puppies and dogs with lowered immune systems). In healthy animals, the Demodex mite is part of the normal skin fauna. In fact, mother dogs will transmit Demodex mites to her pups, but usually a puppy with a normal immune system will manage and suppress the infestation. In cases that a dog cannot suppress the mites — often in young dogs — the condition can either be localized (affected areas are small; condition is often caused by stress or a decreased local immune function at the affected sites) or generalized (affected areas are large or cover entire body; condition is often due to a specific deficiency in T-cells that suppress these mites that may be a hereditary condition). Most puppies affected by Demodectic mange will outgrow it as their immune system becomes stronger, but in some cases treatment is necessary. Older dogs who develop Demodex mange should be screened for other diseases that can be causing immune system deficiency.

Diagnosis: Dogs with Demodex mange often have skin lesions that are crusty and red, hairless, and may be greasy or moist. In localized mange, effected areas are often on the head and forelegs of young dogs 3-6 months of age. In generalized mange, effected areas often include the head, neck, abdomen, legs, and feet. Demodectic mange is confirmed by a skin scraping or biopsy.

Treatment: The treatment of Demodectic mange usually involves lotions, dips, and shampoos. In localized cases, it is often not treated at all, because most dogs will get over it on their own. It can also be treated topically with ointments or gels, periodic bathing with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo, and a change in diet (feeding a high quality dog food and and perhaps a multivitamin with a fatty acid). Dogs with generalized Demodex mange will need more intensive treatment similar to those given to dogs affected by Sarcoptic mange (frequent dips, shampoos, and sometimes invermectin or other drugs). In the rare case it cannot be completely cured, as when the dog’s hampered immune system is the cause, the mange can usually at least be managed and controlled.

As with all pet health advice we give on Pawesome, please note that we are not veterinarians. Although we try to offer the most accurate information on a given topic, we are not medical experts. We strongly urge you to see a veterinarian if you think your pet has a health concern.

Image: puck90