mange

Artical by- Dr Satbir Josan

In India the most common problems a vet may have seen is skin problem, and mange is commonest of all .In dogs mange can be very problematic and disturbing for pet owner and the pet.Here I am going to write few words on the basis of my experiences with mange for the help and knowledge of our pet owners.However if any further information in detail or query required regarding it may be consulted by e-mailing me.
Dogs generally suffer and are susceptible to two types of mange, Demodectic and Sarcoptic Mange.

Demodectic Mange is generally seen in less than 2 yrs old .The mange mites are passed from the dam to the puppies skin. Unlike Sarcoptic mange the demodectic mange is not contagious except passage of mites from mother to pups. The mites do live in the hair and oil (sebaceous) follicles of the skin -a difficult place for the miticidal drugs(chemical that kills mites)to reach. Now it is known that few parasite do normally reside of almost all the dogs skin. When the pet do have the compromised immune system (T-cell defect) and can not keep the mites number under control ,it suffer from the disease.It is also known that the disease is hereditary.

Localized form- At start there are patchy areas of hair loss around the head and forelegs, with no itching and any redness or say inflammation signs. Sign do include thinning of hair around the eyelids,the lips,the corners of mouth and the front legs.The dogs has a moth-eaten appearance.The skin patches do progress into the circle of around one inch diameter (occasionally confused with ringworm).Mite reduction normally includes cleansing shampoos,antibiotics,and immune stimulants.Self curing is common in significant numbers of patients as the immune system matures .During treatment it is critical to watch for the continuous improvement.If the pet is having more than 5 patches or no marked improvement the disease is progressing to the generalized form.

Generalized Form- it can be the outcome of progressive localized form or may appear all of sudden as numerous patches over the head, legs and trunk.These patches spreads into large areas of hair loss .There may be redness now and with debris and mites.Treatment of the generalized form can be very prolonged. It requires frequent change in medication and strict veterinary supervision. In spite of number of mite removal dips ,and other available modern treatments cure is not always possible.Diseases like diabetes ,cancer or cushing disease can all impact therapy.
Dogs treated for generalized demodectic mange should be neutered.

In India I am succeeded to some extent to treat this with Amitraz soln. dips twice weekly till the complete removal of parasites from skin. I had a good success in treating this disease with daily oral ivermectin. Ivomec 1% @ of 15-20dps (1ml) per 50 kg body wt. In some cases the treatment may goes up to a year to completely cure the dog.

The second form of mange in dogs, and other pets is Sarcoptic mange which is caused by spider - like mites which borrows the skin causing an intense itch and streaks of redness in skins. This is transferable to humans and other pets too. This form can also be treated by using ivermectin injectable or oral.