Published: May 21, 2007 11:19 pm      

Mangy dogs — an itchy subject

EDMOND — The term “mange” actually refers to a skin condition that exists when mange mites are present. These mites are parasites and live on dogs at the expense of their health and comfort. Many different mites exist but there are two in particular that affect dogs. Two different kinds of mites, the sarcoptic mange mite and the demodectic mange mite are responsible. Each of these mites is different and requires different treatments to get rid of them.

The sarcoptic mange mite is round and burrows beneath the skin to live. It can affect dogs of all ages and breeds and is highly contagious. During its burrowing it creates severe itching, sores and hair loss. This form of mange is also called “scabies.” It also can be contagious to humans. Humans usually have little red dots on the insides of the arms and on the tummy where the pet is held close to the body, and the mites bite.

On dogs, the mites prefer to live around the ears, elbows, knees and face, but can live anywhere. They can become so generalized that the dog becomes hairless with sores over his entire body. Pustules and yellow crusty sores develop. Constant scratching due to the severe itchiness breaks down the skin causing worse sores.

This form of mange is more difficult to diagnose with standard skin scraping because the mites have burrowed deeper into the skin. Other things besides skin scraping must be noticed such as the distribution of the lesions over the dog, a thorough history and whether or not the dog is known to have skin allergies.

Treatment can vary from dipping, to injections of Ivermectin. A newer treatment uses Revolution, a heartworm preventative that also kills sarcoptic mange. Bedding and the environment also must be treated to get rid of sarcoptic mange.

Demodectic mange, or red mange is the other form of mange commonly seen in dogs. This mange is called “follicular mange” because the mites like to live in the hair follicles. This form of mange is seen more in puppies less than a year old. It is not contagious like sarcoptic mange.

It is not really itchy like sarcoptic mange, but it can cause hair loss. Demodex results more from a weak immune system than anything else. Dogs with a normal immune system would be able to control it or get rid of it.