Dog owners are pretty vigilant about fleas and ticks. Any sign of incessant scratching, and their pup is whisked off to the vet. But there’s another possible cause for a dog’s obsessive scratching. When a dog’s itch is accompanied by lesions or hair loss, there’s a strong possibility your dog may be suffering from mange.
There are several types of mange, with Demodectic and Sarcoptic being the most common. Both conditions are caused by mite infestations, and can range from mild to severe. Unlike fleas and ticks, mites can’t be seen with a naked eye, so a trip to your vet is a must for proper diagnosis.
Symptoms:
Regardless of the type of mange, symptoms of the condition are similar across the board. They include:
• Excessive scratching
• Lesions
• Hair loss or alopecia
Diagnosis
There are various types of mites, and not all of them cause mange. In fact, some mites are fairly common, and can have little effect on a dog’s health. Still, it’s always best to consult with your vet if you suspect your dog is living with mites, or any type of skin condition.
The presence of mange is determined by performing a skin scrape of your dog. A collection of skin cells from the scrape is then placed under a microscope and then assessed to pinpoint the type of mange your dog has contracted. Without a skin scrape, there’s no way to differentiate one type of mange from another.
Here, we’ll take a look at two common types of mange, demodex and sarcoptic.
Demodectic Mange
Demodex is a type of mange usually found in puppies within weeks after birth, and is passed on from their mothers. Outside of mother-puppy contact, demodex is typically a non-contagious disease.
In the case of demodectic mites, most healthy dogs are immune to the effects of this particular parasite, and therefore don’t develop demodex. But keep in mind, the absence of demodex does not mean there’s an absence of demodectic mites.
Mothers who either show no signs of having mites, or who have weak immune systems can pass the parasite on to her puppies. Puppies can then develop demodex as a result of not yet building the immunity to fight off the mites naturally, or by inheriting the inability to fight them off at all.
Treatment
Demodex can be easily treated either topically or orally with anti-parasitic medication. In mild cases, vets may also incorporate a general prescription of flea and tick preventative medication to treat the condition. Always check with your vet before pursuing a treatment regimen.
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is popularly known as scabies, and is caused by the mite sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies is a highly contagious infestation that takes place beneath the skin. The nature of the infestation causes severe itching that leads to painful lesions and causes extreme hair loss or alopecia.
If your companion is diagnosed with scabies, he or she should be separated from other dogs until the infestation has cleared.
Treatment
Scabies can be treated topically or orally, and with the help of medicated shampoos. Depending on the severity of the sarcoptic mange, treatment can last for up to a month. Consult with your vet to determine the right course of action, and be sure to update your vet on any changes in your dog’s condition.