Download Mange - Auckland Vet Services

Client Fact Sheet # 17
MANGE
Mange is a skin disease caused by mites (microscopic spider like creatures) living on or in the
skin of your pet.
The main types of mange found are:
DEMODECTIC MANGE
This is the most common mite found in dogs. The mite can be found in dogs with healthy skin.
In some animals though the mite can cause skin disease. Demodectic Manage is not contagious.
Symptoms
Puppies of short haired breeds are most commonly affected. Hair loss is generally localised and
occurs most often about the muzzle, eyes, neck, hocks, elbows, legs and feet. Affected dogs
may or may not be itchy depending upon the amount of associated bacterial infection. With
appropriate treatment, most puppies will eventually overcome the disease. In a few cases, the
disease becomes generalised and in these cases there is lots of itching, smell and infection.
Demodectic mange can take a long time to cure or control.
Diagnosis/Treatment
Demodectic Mange is diagnosed best by a skin scraping or biopsy. Because the mites are found
on healthy animals, a definitive diagnosis requires finding lots of mites and clinical signs
consistent with the disease. Treatment consists of a daily oral insecticidal medication or weekly
or twice weekly insecticidal rinses. Skin scrapings need to be repeated every 3 weeks until
there are two consecutive scrapings where no mites are seen. It takes a minimum of 6 weeks of
treatment to cure the dog and in many cases it takes much longer. There is an inherited
predisposition to developing Demodectic mange so affected dogs, their parents and siblings
should not be bred from.
SARCOPTIC MANGE (Scabies)
This mite burrows into the surface layer of the skin causing intense itching. This disease is
highly contagious and can cause a skin rash in humans.
Symptoms
This itching can be so intense that the animal scratches so much that the skin becomes red and
raw. Areas initially affected are the tips of the ears, elbows, hocks, chest, abdomen and
shoulders. In advanced cases the lesions extend to the body.
Updated Feb 2007
Diagnosis and Treatment
The mites are hard to find and many skin scrapings may be taken before any mites are seen.
Even if no mites are found it does not mean the animal does not have Sarcoptic mange. Often
the diagnosis of Sarcoptic mange is only made after there is a positive response to appropriate
treatment. Treatment involves insecticidal rinses or the use of oral, topical or injectable
insecticide. Antibiotics, for infection, and corticosteroids, for itching, are also often required.
If the disease is not too advanced, treatment is usually curative.
CHEYLETIELLA MANGE (Walking Dandruff)
This mite can be found on cats, dogs and rabbits. Cheyletiella is less prevalent now due to
improved flea control.
Symptoms
This mite is usually seen as fine mobile dandruff. The pet may or may not be itchy. There may
be history of a rash developing on the owner.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Cheyletiella is normally diagnosed through the use of skin scrapings or the microscopic
examination of dandruff picked up with Sellotape. Treatment consists of insecticidal dips or
injections. Corticosteroids may be used to relieve the itching. It is important to treat all in
contact animals as well as the environment.
NOTOEDRIC MANGE
This mite burrows in the skin causing intense scratching. Notoedric mange primarily occurs in
cats.
Symptoms
There is normally thickened crusty skin with hair loss generally on the face, ears, and neck.
Treatment
Treatment consists of injectable insecticide use. Corticosteroids are normally required to
relieve the itching.
OTODECTIC MANGE (EAR MITES)
These mites are mainly seen in the ears of kittens and puppies.
Symptoms
The ear is normally very irritated and there is a characteristic dry black ear discharge.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Sometimes these mites can be seen with the naked eye. They can often be seen in the ear with
the use of a magnifying lens but they are best diagnosed through the microscopic examination
of the ear debris. Treatment consists of topical insecticides and antibiotic/insecticidal ear
drops. Transmission occurs easily and other in-contact dogs and cats should also be treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask one of our experienced staff, or phone us on
818 5697.
Updated Feb 2007