Pet Care Corner: Mange in dogs
Mange is a skin disease that is caused by parasitic mites. Mange has quite a distinctive smell.
The Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd, has more information on this disease.
Is there more than one type of mange?
Yes, there are two different types of mange. These are called sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange.
Sarcoptic mange: This type of mange is highly contagious (the owners and other animals can catch it by coming into contact with the infected animal) and is caused by a burrowing mite that digs into and through the skin of the dog and causes intense itching in the animal.
The hair on the dog is lost and the skin crusts and, as the dog continues to itch and scratch, damage to the skin can occur and secondary skin infection is common.
Demodectic mange: This type is not contagious to pet owners or other animals and instead of burrowing under the skin, this mite lives in the hair follicles of the dog.
A dog with severe demodectic mange can still experience hair loss.
How will I know if my dog has mange?
Dogs that scratch consistently and who experience unexplained hair loss must be taken to a vet who will take a skin scraping from the dog and will look at this under a microscope to see if they can find any mites.
What is the treatment for mange?
Dogs with mange must be kept isolated and away from other dogs, and their bedding (blankets) needs to be washed with a suitable insecticidal solution. This can be purchased from the vet.
The affected dog must also be either dipped or washed with an insecticidal dip or shampoo.
Veterinary treatment can also include chewable tablets or oral liquid medication and will be dependent on the vet who sees the animal.
When washing a dog with mange, it is important to remember that the mites are not usually directly on the surface of the skin and it will be necessary to rub the solution on with some vigour.
Sometimes, if mange is left untreated, it can become so severe that it may be impossible to cure the condition and the only option left is humane euthanasia of the animal.
With sarcoptic mange especially, the skin on the legs can become crusty and swollen and feel hot to the touch, making it very painful for the animal concerned.
It is important never to leave a dog if it is suspected to have mange.
The sooner the correct treatment is started, the better the chances are of the animal making a full recovery.
