Originally posted by Robert Cobb:
[qb]
There are two different manges that affect canines. They are sarcoptic mange or scabies and demodectic mange, often known as demodex. Both diseases are caused by mites, tiny eight legged organisms that burrow into and live in the layers of the skin.
Demodectic Mange is a much more serious disease then sarcoptic mange. It is difficult to treat successfully and the secondary bacterial infections, often staphylococcus, are very debilitating on the general health of the affected animal. This mite lives its entire life cycle deep within the host's skin, right down with the oil glands of the skin. It is not easily transmitted from dog to dog, except by direct and constant contact. It is unlikely to infect man.
The condition is diagnosed by finding the mites or their nymphs in deep skin scrapings. It is easily differentiated from sarcoptic mange because it does not cause itching. There are two forms of the disease, known as squamous and pustular. In the squamous form, there is hair loss around the eyes, or muzzle, hocks, elbows, feet and neck. There is usually a scaly skin with a light grey greasy feel. The condition may remain at this stage for a number of years. If the animal is stressed, the condition will worsen - the hair loss will become generalized, the skin will thicken and the greasiness will increase. In the pustular form, the skin is thickened, wrinkled and inflamed. Pustules are present and may become abscesses, or pus may under run the skin. There may be irritation when this occurs. There is nearly always bacterial invasion in this form of the disease. Demodex may be treated with oral flea preventatives, used at the rate for flea control. These preparations should not be used on young puppies except under strict veterinary supervision. These drugs often take many weeks to express the damage they may cause the central nervous system, which may appear from any signs of vitamin deficiencies to wobblers disease and even skeletal abnormalities. If the disease is the pustular form, concurrent treatment with antibiotics to which the secondary infections are susceptible are essential.
Bitches that have demodectic mange, or those that have never coated up completely after treatment for demodectic mange should not be used for breeding. Puppies develop demodectic mange in the nest through constant contact with their mother, if she is infected.
Sarcoptic Mange
Also known as scabies, its common name for the infestation in humans to whom it is transmissible from dogs. Transfer of the condition is by direct contact between animals. The earliest signs of infection are areas of redness and itchiness on the muzzle, face, the inner surfaces of the lower legs. These areas are seldom those that fleas attack first, so the condition should not confused with flea eczema. The mites burrow under the skin and travel just beneath the surface causing intense itching. This itching causes the affected animal to damage his coat and skin. This allows a secondary bacterial infection, and sometimes more seriously a fungal infection, to occur. This causes much more skin damage and increases the difficulty of treatment and repair of the skin. The condition is diagnosed accurately by the taking of skin scrapings from the edges of the affected areas. The presence of mites, their eggs and their nymphs is diagnostic. It may be necessary to take several scrapings to prove the diagnosis.[/qb]
