Manges are the ectoparasites that found beneath the skin. Manges are of different types that is Demodectic mange, Sarcoptic mange, Otodectic mange etc. There are several causes of mange in dogs. Let we discuss in brief in this article.
Let we discuss about a very important question that is What is Mange ?
Mange is a skin disease caused by the parasitic mites that can affect both the dogs and puppies. Large animals are also effected by the mange. As we know about cause of the mange, mange is caused by tiny external parasites known as mites in dogs and cats. Irritation of skin which is caused by mites results in pruritis on dogs and cats.
Lets we discuss about types of mange in dogs
There are three types of mange found in dogs ;
1. Sarcoptes mites results into Sarcoptic mange.
2. Demodex mites results into Demodectic mange.
3. Otodectic cynotis results into Otodectic mange.
These are most commonly found mange in dogs and cats……
1. Sarcoptic Mange in dogs : Mange In Dogs
Sarcoptic mange in dogs also known as scabies in dogs is the highly contagious disease of skin condition caused by Sarcoptes mites. Extreme itchiness caused by sarcoptic mange. This disease infest the human being also and cause dermatitis with the itching on the body and creates itchy lesions that can long for several days. These types of mites are host specific but the disease is zoonotic and human may come in contact with sarcoptic mange suffered from itchy skin. The size of adult mites are 0.2 – 0.6 mm long and roughly round in shape. The surface of these mites is covered with triangular and small spines also they have the four pair of short legs. Adult females are more big in size as compare to adult male. Females may interrupt the skin layer that is stratum corneum to lay their eggs. The life cycle of sarcoptic mange is 17 – 21 days that is spend on the host dogs. These types of Manges are transmittable in nature..
Clinical signs of sarcoptic mange in dogs and cats
- Pruritis ( Intense itching ).
- Alopecia ( Baldness ).
- Papulocrustous eruptions.
- Yellow crust.
- Excoriation.
- Erythema ( Redness ).
- Yeast infection ( Secondary ).
- Bacterial infection ( Secondary ).
- Lesions were seen in ventral abdomen, chest, ears, elbows and hock.
Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in dogs and cats ;
Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange is based on the history of the severe pruritis of the sudden onset, possible exposure and the involvement of the other animals, including the humans. Skin scrapping helps to diagnose the sarcoptic mange in dogs. There are many skin scrapping done inside the ear for taking the sample of ear.
2. Demodectic Mange In Dogs : Mange In Dogs
Demodectic mange is also known as Canine Demodicosis. This occur when large number of mites interrupt the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands of the dog skin. These mites are transmittable in dam or mother to puppies. The mites spend their life cycle on host and this type of disease is not considered to the contagious. The study and pathogenesis of the demodectic mange is complex and not completely understood. Secondary bacterial infection such as deep folliculitis, furunculosis or cellulitis may occur. Two more Demodex species exist in dogs and cats that is Demodex cynois and Demodex injai. There is not much information about these extra mites.
Clinical signs of demodectic mange in dogs and cats
- Hair loss ( Alopecia ).
- Skin Scaling.
- Bumps on the skin ( papules ).
- Pigmentation on the skin..
- Thickening of the skin.
- Pruritis depending upon the bacterial infection of the skin.
- Low hair follicle.
- Hair loss patches.
Diagnosis of the demodectic mange in dogs and cats :
The most common way to diagnose the mange is the skin scrapping and the hair plucking and the cytology. Polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) is also used for the diagnosis of demodectic mange. Skin scrapping or biopsy may be necessary in the cases where the dog is not responding in the test.
3. Otodectic Mange In Dogs : Mange In Dogs
Otodectic mange is found inside the ear of dog and cats. And this mange is more effective then other mange. Otodectic mange is caused by Otodectes cynotis mites. All these types of mites may infect the most part of external ear and cause a huge inflammation of the ear canal in dogs and especially in cats. Ear mites are usually found in the deep inside the external ear canal but they are sometimes seen into the body. Otodectic mange is too dangerous than other mange in dogs and cats. When you seem that your dog shaking their head and scratch into the ear must be the signs of the Otodectic mange in dogs. This mites.
Clinical signs of demodectic mange in dogs and cats
- Ear debris : There is formation of large amount of coffee grounds particles in the ear canals. These particles may stuck inside the ear canals for several days and cause secondary infection into the ear canal.
- Head shaking : The dog will shake the head constantly for many times in a day.
- Ear scratching : The dog will dig the ears due to intense itching.
- Crusty lesions will formed inside the ears.
- Open wounds will made by the scratching with the back paws of the dogs.
Diagnosis of Otodectic mange in dogs and cats :
Diagnosis of Otodectic mange is depend upon ear inspection with deep light. Diagnosis will depend upon symptoms shown into Otodectic mange. Physical check up helps to diagnose the Otodectic mange in dogs.
These three types of mange will effect the most of the dogs. Early diagnosis and treatment will help to resolve this types of skin problems in dogs.
First Aid / Treatment Of Mange In Dogs And Cats :
As we discuss about treatment, you must have to consult with your nearby vet for proper diagnosis and treatment after diagnosis. In treatment various antibiotics, nsaids, topical ointments and lotion and few Dewormer may included.
Medicated shampoo help to reduce the problem of mange in dogs and cats. Bacterial infection treated by antibiotics. Antifungal shampoo helps to reduce the fungal infection occur during the mange infection.