The process for diagnosing mange will vary from case to case. In some instances, the vet will be able to take a skin scraping from the affected area and analyze it under the microscope to look for mites or eggs. In situations where the mites are buried within the dog’s skin – such as in demodectic pododermatitis – the vet may have to perform a deep biopsy to confirm the presence of mange. The vet will also perform a physical exam and take your pet’s general health and history into account when making a diagnosis.
Demodectic mange – also known as demodex or “red mange” – is caused by mites that are transferred from mother to puppy during the first few days of life. These mites are present in all dogs and usually won’t cause any problems. Mange occurs when mite populations proliferate in dogs with underdeveloped immune systems – like puppies under the age of 18 months, older dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems. When the mites are concentrated in one or two isolated patches on the skin, this is known as localized demodectic mange, which presents as bald scaly patches, usually on the dog’s face. Localized demodectic mange is most common in puppies and will usually clear up on its own with no need for treatment. When the mange is present in large patches or all over the dog’s body, this is known as generalized demodectic mange. This type of mange produces bald, scaly patches of skin, which can be very itchy. When the dog scratches, sores can form which are susceptible to unpleasant-smelling bacterial infections. Generalized demodectic mange is most common in dogs with compromised immune systems and will require treatment. The most resistant form of demodectic mange is known as demodectic pododermatitis, which occurs only in the feet and is accompanied by bacterial infection. This type of mange is difficult to diagnose and treat. [4] X Research source
Sarcoptic mange – also known as canine scabies – is caused by microscopic mites that are easily transferred from host to host, including humans (where it causes a red bumpy rash, similar to mosquito bites). In dogs, symptoms of sarcoptic mange usually develop about one week following exposure. The dog may become restless and start scratching frantically, before scaly, bald patches start appearing on its face, elbows, ears and legs. If the mange is not treated immediately, it may spread all over the dog’s body and become more resistant to treatment. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
This type of mange is also known as “walking dandruff. " The mites themselves that look like flakes of dandruff, so the “walking dandruff” is the mites moving around. Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious to other dogs (especially puppies) and can cause intense itching (although sometimes itching is completely absent). It is usually passed from puppy to puppy as a result of mite infestations in straw and animal bedding in pet shops and kennels. Cheyletiella mange can also be passed on to humans, causing an itchy, bumpy red rash on the arms, trunk and buttocks. However, the symptoms should disappear once the puppy has been treated, as the mites can’t survive without a host for more than 10 days. However, as the use of straw in animal bedding is becoming less common and the use of flea-control preparations had risen, instances of cheyletiella mange are becoming less and less frequent. [6] X Research source
Provide food, water, bedding, and toys for your dog while he is in isolation. Make sure that you spend time with him, take him for walks, and play with him so that he is not frightened by the isolation. In rare cases, humans may become infected with the mites that cause mange in dogs. Protect yourself by wearing gloves when you administer treatments to your dog. [8] X Research source You don’t need to isolate your dog if it has demodex, as this is not highly infectious.
For example, you can provide him with a treat after he has had a bath, make sure that you visit him often while he is in isolation, and do things that you normally do together like going for walks and playing in the backyard.
