Mange is a Mite Infection
There are two common types of mange that cause hair loss: demodectric mange and
sarcoptic mange. Both are caused by a mite infection.
Demodectic Mange
Demodex mites occur around the dog's eyes and can cause hair loss. Normally, these mites
live on the skin without causing problems, but their numbers can become so dense in
certain areas that they cause hair loss. Demodectric mange can be localized (i.e., in one
spot on your pet) or generalized (i.e., over most or all of your pet's body). Demodectic
mange can affect juvenile or adult pets. In young animals, the mites are self limiting --
most cases resolve within four to eight weeks. When infestations occur in adults or when
the mange is generalized, it's likely that there is an underlying immune system
malfunction that may be allowing the mite to proliferate. Demodectic mange is not
contagious.
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is a contagious, very itchy disease. The areas that are most commonly
affected are the hocks, elbows, ear flaps, and belly, but this form of mange can become
generalized. Sarcoptic mange can also affect humans, and human contamination from pets can
and does occur.
Identifying the Mite
To identify the mite, your veterinarian can scrape your puppy's affected skin with a dull scalpel blade and examine the scrapings under a microscope. The mites are very small -- an adult is less than 1/40 of an inch long -- and look like cigars with legs.
Getting Rid of Mange
Treatment of mites varies. Because the juvenile form is self limiting, we treat it only if
the mite infestation is severe and if your pet is very uncomfortable. Adults or any pet
with a more generalized infestation are treated with a special dip every two weeks.
You should know that demodectic mites are sometimes difficult to control. Sarcoptic mites, on the other hands, are more easily controlled with basic lyme-sulfur dips or via injections of Invermectin two weeks apart.
Copyright Boxer Rebound, Inc. © 2000
Updated Tuesday, July 23, 2002