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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