My Animal Looks Mangie. What Should I Do?

When an animal starts to look “mangy,” it is showing signs of mange, a skin disease caused by microscopic mites. The condition can lead to significant discomfort, inflammation, and changes in an animal’s appearance. It is a broad term for a skin condition known as cutaneous acariasis.

What Causes Mange

The two most common forms are Sarcoptic mange and Demodectic mange. Each is caused by a different mite species that interacts with the host animal’s body in a unique way. The severity and contagiousness of the disease depend heavily on which mite is present.

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites must live on a host to survive. The female mite burrows into the outer layers of the animal’s skin to lay her eggs, creating complex tunnels. This burrowing activity and the waste products the mites leave behind trigger an intense allergic reaction, leading to severe skin problems.

Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites. Unlike Sarcoptes mites, Demodex mites are a normal inhabitant of the hair follicles in many healthy dogs and other mammals. They are acquired by puppies from their mother during nursing. An infestation, or overpopulation, occurs when the animal’s immune system is compromised and can no longer keep the mite numbers in check, leading to the development of skin disease.

Common Symptoms of Mange

One of the most prominent symptoms, particularly with Sarcoptic mange, is intense itchiness. This constant discomfort leads to relentless scratching, which can cause self-inflicted wounds and further skin damage.

Hair loss is another common symptom. For Demodectic mange, this may start as small, patchy areas of hair loss, particularly around the face, legs, and paws. In Sarcoptic mange, hair loss often begins on sparsely-haired areas like the elbows, ear flaps, and abdomen before potentially spreading across the entire body if left untreated. The skin in these areas frequently becomes red and inflamed.

The skin may become thick, scaly, and develop crusty yellow sores. In some cases, the skin may darken, and secondary bacterial or yeast infections can develop in the damaged areas, which often produces a distinct musty odor. Animals suffering from severe infestations may also appear lethargic or distracted due to the constant irritation and pain.

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian is a necessary first step when mange is suspected, as other skin conditions can present with similar signs. A veterinarian will perform a physical examination and may proceed with a skin scraping test. This procedure involves using a blade to gently scrape the surface of the affected skin to collect a sample, which is then examined under a microscope to look for mites or their eggs.

Finding the mites can sometimes be challenging, especially with Sarcoptic mange, so a diagnosis may also be based on the clinical signs and the animal’s history. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the veterinarian will prescribe a treatment plan tailored to the specific type of mange and the animal’s overall health. Common treatments include oral medications, such as those in the isoxazoline class, which are highly effective at killing the mites.

In addition to oral medications, treatment may involve the use of medicated shampoos or dips, such as a lime-sulfur dip, to help kill mites and soothe the skin. Topical spot-on treatments are another option. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions precisely and complete the full course of treatment to ensure all mites are eradicated. Using unverified home remedies is not advised, as they can be ineffective and potentially harmful to the animal.

Contagion and Prevention

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal or through contact with contaminated items like bedding or grooming tools. These mites can even cause a temporary, itchy rash in humans who come into contact with an infested pet. Therefore, isolating an animal with Sarcoptic mange is a common recommendation.

In contrast, Demodectic mange is not considered contagious to other animals or to people. The Demodex mites are species-specific, and since they are a normal part of the skin’s fauna in healthy animals, transmission is not the primary concern.

Preventing mange involves maintaining an animal’s overall health to support a robust immune system. A good diet and regular veterinary check-ups can help. For contagious forms like Sarcoptic mange, prevention includes avoiding contact with infected animals, including wildlife such as foxes and coyotes, which can be carriers. If a pet is diagnosed, thorough cleaning of their environment, including washing bedding and sanitizing living spaces, can help prevent reinfection and spread.