Mange in dogs

Overview

Whenever your dog comes into contact with another dog whose history you don't know, there is always the risk that your pet could pick something up. One type of ailment that's passed on through dog-to-dog contact is sarcoptic mange. This disease, also known as scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite that burrows into your pet's skin-especially the elbows, hocks,  and tips of ears, which become scabby and crusty.

The mites secrete substances while they are burrowing that cause severe allergic reactions and cause very intense itching.  Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange may be difficult because the mites will not always show up in a skin scraping.  Dogs with sarcopic mange often have a history of non-seasonal itching that worsens with administration of steroids.  Your veterinarian may decide to treat your dog for this disease based on the symptoms and history, rather than by a diagnostic test.  This mite is contagious to humans, so contact your physician if you have any itching or spot any lesions on yourself!

The more frustrating form of mange is caused by demodex mites, which do not cause the severe itching that scabies does. These parasites are normally present on a healthy pet's hair follicles, but they can suddenly multiply out of control, especially if your pet's immune system is compromised for any reason. Symptoms are nasty pustules, hair loss and scaly skin around the eyelids, mouth, and front legs. Demodex can affect your dog's entire body, which is known as the generalized form.  Mild cases are commonly seen in puppies, and can clear up on their own in about a month. But if the infected animal is older or debilitated, demodectic mange can be an indicator of a more serious problem, such as immune system malfunction.

Symptoms

• Intense, frantic itching
• Extreme hair loss
• Body sores, especially around elbows, hocks, and tips of ears
• Scaly skin around eyelids, mouth and front legs

Treatment

To manage sarcoptic mange, you'll need to bathe your pet at regular intervals with a dip specially formulated to kill sarcoptic mites; your veterinarian will have to prescribe one. It's also important to destroy all your pet's bedding, as these mighty mites can live for a short time once they've left their canine host. To help alleviate the itch, some veterinarians recommend a steroid or antihistamine that contains dephenhydramine, but consult with your dog's doctor for proper dosage.  All the dogs in your house will have to be treated for this mite, as it is highly contagious. 

Only your veterinarian can accurately diagnose demodectic mange; if your dog is infected, the cigar-shaped mites will be present in a skin scraping placed under a microscope. Treatment involves weekly baths with an insecticidal dip available by prescription only or with the daily oral administration of a dewormer called ivermection.

Dogs infected with scabies or demodectic mange should be groomed following the advice of your veterinarian only. Brushing helps remove the scabs and scales associated with mite infestation, but if a dip is being used regularly, bathing with a shampoo should be avoided unless advised by a veterinarian. And pay extra attention to personal hygiene if your dog has scabies. It can be passed on to humans, causing itchy pimples that resemble mosquito bites.

Wash thoroughly after treating or touching your pet, and see your physician if you develop a problem.