Mange: The Itchy Truth About Skin Parasites in Pets
Have you ever cringed at the mention of a “mangy dog” or a “mangy cat?” These phrases don’t exactly paint a picture of health and beauty, do they?
Mange, a group of skin diseases caused by tiny mites, can turn our beloved pets into itchy, uncomfortable creatures. But fear not! Mange is treatable, although the process can be quite labor-intensive.
Mange in Dogs
When it comes to our canine companions, there are two main types of mange: sarcoptic and demodectic.
Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs
Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. This highly contagious condition spreads rapidly among dogs and even to humans. Puppies and neglected dogs are particularly vulnerable to this irritating infestation.
A telltale sign of sarcoptic mange is constant scratching and chewing, usually focused on areas like the chest, belly, ears, elbows, and ankles. The intense itching can lead to skin thickening, darkening, and other symptoms such as rashes, hair loss, and crusty lesions.
Demodectic Mange in Dogs
In contrast, demodectic mange, caused by the Demodex canis mite, is not contagious. However, in puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems, these mites can cause issues. Symptoms include mild skin irritation, itching, and patchy hair loss.
Mange in Cats
Our feline friends are not immune to mange either, with various types affecting them, including demodectic, notoedric, otodectic, and *Cheyletiella blakei*.
Feline Demodectic Mange
Caused by either D. gatoi or D. cati, demodectic mange in cats showcases symptoms like localized hair loss and scaly skin on the head, neck, and ears.
Notoedric Mange in Cats
Notoedric mange is triggered by the Notoedres cati mite, leading to severe itching and lesions across the cat’s body, akin to sarcoptic mange in dogs.
Otodectic Mange in Cats
Otodectic mange, caused by the ear mite Otodectic cynotis, is a common issue in kittens, characterized by head shaking, itching around the ears, and a distinct odor within the ears.
*Cheyletiella blakei* Mites
*Cheyletiella blakei* mites, known as “walking dandruff,” are highly contagious among cats, appearing like dandruff flakes on their back.
Treating Mange
Regardless of the type of mange, treatment involves eliminating the pesky mites and promoting skin healing. Medicated shampoos, dips, medications, and hair clipping are common methods employed by veterinarians.
Weekly baths with medicated shampoo can aid in flushing out mites, healing skin infections, and managing symptoms effectively.
Remember, prevention is key to avoiding re-infection. Discard or wash your pet’s bedding regularly, maintain their overall health, prevent contact with infected pets, and treat all your pets if one is affected.
These tiny mites may cause big trouble for our furry friends, so if you notice incessant scratching or unusual skin changes, don’t hesitate to seek help from your veterinarian. Your pet will thank you for ridding them of those bothersome mites once and for all!