Dear D. Jackson,
My friend told me my dog looks like he has the ‘mange’. He isn’t even itching and I don’t see any bugs on him. What do you think? Confused
Dear Confused,
There are three types of mange that you may have heard about. Let me describe them to you so that you may be better able to distinguish your particular problem. This explanation may also help some of our readers with their pet’s skin problems too.
Demodectic mange is the first and most common type of mange. It is most often noticed by the subtle hair loss around the cheeks and the corners of the mouth and eyes. Later, it may spread to the legs and the chest. Many times, it is difficult to detect because the pet doesn’t scratch much but the thinning hair draws attention by the owner. Demodectic mange is caused by a common skin parasite. It is microscopic and
often affects dogs from the same litter. Treatment should be started early and continued until all symptoms are completely eliminated. If stopped too early, this type of mange can lead to bacterial skin infections.
Sarcoptic mange is a disease condition resulting in crusty, scaly and reddened skin. Scaliness of the edges of the ears and hair loss around the face, muzzle, front legs, and between the toes often leads to scabs and sores. A sure sign of sarcoptic mange is constant scratching, often severe at times. This form of mange is caused by a skin parasite which is also microscopic in size and can be difficult even for the veterinarian to detect. A scraping of the surface cells of the skin is done to find the live mites. Again, young puppies are very susceptible. This mite reproduces very rapidly and is contagious to other dogs, cats and humans. Prompt effective treatment is necessary requiring specific veterinarian prescribed medications. Also, your veterinarian may recommend that you isolate your pet.
Walking mange is a common term for what appears to be heavy dandruff all over the pet’s back. Under a microscope or magnifying glass, the “dandruff” is seen to be tiny moving insects. Scratching is excessive. This is caused by lice and is not contagious to people. It usually affects puppies 4-12 weeks of age and again is easily passed to other pups. Treatment for this skin parasite is easier than the other two. Most often-special bathes or sprays are effective.
