Everyone has probably heard the term "mangy dog" before. But what exactly is mange? Mange is a contagious skin disease in dogs caused by various types of mites. Classic mange in dogs is caused by the Sarcoptes mite (scabies mite). However, there are other types of mites that cause similar skin changes.
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and is transmitted through brief, direct physical contact, with foxes considered to be the primary reservoir. Outside of their host, sarcoptic mites can survive for up to two weeks in cool, damp environments, which means that infection can also occur through contaminated equipment or sleeping areas.
Sarcoptes mites belong to the arachnid family and are only 0.2 to 0.4 mm in size. The males live on the surface of the skin, while the females burrow into the upper layers of the skin, which is why this mite species is also known as the burrowing mite. The females lay their eggs in the burrows, from which adult mites emerge within two to three weeks. The entire life cycle of the mite therefore takes place on the host.
The first noticeable signs of mange are severe itching and redness of the skin, flaking and blistering around the outer ears, chin, belly, armpits, elbows, and hocks. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can spread to the entire body, leading to increasing keratinization of the skin with wrinkling and hair loss. The allergic reaction to the mites and, above all, their feces causes extreme itching, which is why affected dogs scratch incessantly. This results in bloody, scabbed wounds, which in turn can be entry points for secondary bacterial infections. Severe weight loss often occurs as the disease progresses.
If you notice skin changes accompanied by severe itching in your dog, be sure to have it examined by a veterinarian. Experience shows that animals are often brought to the vet very late when skin diseases occur. However, early intervention can significantly reduce the duration and extent of the disease.
The veterinarian will be able to make initial conclusions about a possible mite infestation based on the preliminary report and a general examination. The severe itching associated with sarcoptic mange is another indication of this type of mite.
To confirm the clinical diagnosis, the veterinarian will take several large superficial skin scrapings and examine them under a microscope for mites. In addition, two to four weeks after infection, Sarcoptes-specific antibodies can be detected via a blood test.
If sarcoptic mange is confirmed, the dog will be treated with appropriate miticide. Certain dog breeds cannot tolerate these preparations due to a genetic defect (MDR-1 defect), which is why a genetic test must be carried out in some cases before treatment is started.
It is also very important that treatment is continued for at least two weeks after the symptoms have subsided in order to ensure that the dog is completely free of mites. Washing to soften the crusts and relieve the itching can also be used during this time.
The high risk of infection with sarcoptic mange requires treatment of all animals living in the household, such as cats or guinea pigs, to prevent mutual reinfection. The dog's environment, such as blankets and other accessories, should also be washed at the highest possible temperature and sleeping areas disinfected. After starting treatment, the affected dog should not have contact with other dogs for about another week. Please discuss the exact procedure in your individual case with your veterinarian.
IMPORTANT: Sarcoptic mange is a zoonosis, which means that the mites can be transmitted to humans through contact with the infected animal. However, they do not reproduce there and therefore only cause short-term symptoms such as skin redness or pustules, which are referred to as pseudo-scabies and usually disappear on their own.
Even though treatment can be very time-consuming and tedious for you as the owner, sarcoptic mange has a very good chance of being completely cured. If secondary infections have already occurred, the prognosis is somewhat more cautious.
Some of the flea and tick prevention products available from your vet also offer a certain degree of protection against Sarcoptes infestation due to their mode of action, meaning that this treatment can also reduce the risk of mange. Your vet will be happy to advise you on the best product for your pet.
Cheyletiella mites, also known as predatory mites, differ from Sarcoptes mites in that they do not penetrate the skin but live in the animal's fur. These mites are slightly larger than Sarcoptes mites and can sometimes be seen with the naked eye as "moving white dots" in the dog's fur.
The symptoms of cheyletiellosis, which is also highly contagious, are slightly less pronounced than those of sarcoptic mange; in some animals, only dandruff occurs. Weak, young animals are particularly susceptible, and may experience varying degrees of itching and skin lesions.
Cheyletiella mites can be detected under a microscope in samples of fur, dandruff, or loose material. Treatment also involves the use of mite-killing preparations. These mites can also infest humans and cause itchy skin inflammation.
Autumn grass mites are found in grass and meadows in early to late summer. They infest dogs directly; transmission from animal to animal does not occur. The larvae of grass mites colonize the dog for only a few days to suck blood. The further development of this mite takes place in the outside world.
Skin lesions with severe itching are found where the animal's body has come into contact with grass or soil, such as on the head, ears, legs, paws, or lower abdomen. The typical, seasonally limited symptoms and the recognition of the orange-colored parasites with the naked eye allow for a reliable diagnosis.
Autumn grass mites are also treated with mite-killing medications.
These mites, also known as Otodectis, primarily colonize the ears of dogs and cats, causing external ear infections. In rare cases, they spread to the entire body and lead to general skin inflammation. Ear mites are transmitted similarly to Sarcoptes mites through direct contact between cats and dogs. In humid environments, the parasites can survive for several weeks.
Ear mites live on the surface of the skin and can be detected by a veterinarian during an ear examination as moving white dots in the ear canal. Another characteristic sign of an ear mite infestation is a brown, coffee grounds-like discharge, which can also be examined under a microscope. The infestation is occasionally accompanied by itching.
In the case of an ear mite infestation, local treatment with a mite-killing medication is usually sufficient. Only in rare cases are additional systemic medications necessary. However, all animals in a household should always be treated.
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