Parasite Series: Canine Mange: Demodex, Sarcoptes, Cheyletiella, Ear Mites & Chiggers

Mange is a general term for a skin disease caused by mites. Although most forms of mage are contagious- Demodectic mange (Demodex mites) is not contagious between pets or to humans. Other forms of mange (Sarcoptic mange, Cheyletiella and Mange is a Trombiculosis ) are contagious between pets and sometimes to humans. generic term used for all Demodex (Red mange) infections • Easy to diagnose with skin scrapings; rarely will require a skin biopsy. caused by • Typically seen in puppies or older adults, can occur in dogs receiving steroid or mites. chemotherapy medications. • This form of mange is NOT contagious, occurs due to inability of the dog’s immune system to keep the mite population in check. • Causes patchy areas of hair loss, secondary bacterial infection is common, itching Many mite is variable. infections are • Typically responds well to therapy; most cases in puppies and healthy adults are contagious curable. between • Please see the CSS Demodex handout for more specific information. animals (& people) but Sarcoptes (“Scabies”) Demodex is not. • Contagious form of mange between dogs and from dogs to people. Sarcoptic mange often endemic in fox & coyote populations. • People can develop itchy rashes with bra line, belt line or sock line most common. Mange is Consult your physician if your dog has been diagnosed with scabies. • Itching is initially moderate progressing to SEVERE (the mites burrow in the skin). associated with Infection often mimics allergic skin disease initially. secondary • Often difficult to diagnose, skin scrapings are positive in only 10% of cases. infection. Treatment and your dog’s response to treatment is often used as a diagnostic tool. • Causes itching, crusting (ear margins, elbows & belly common) & secondary bacterial infection • Excellent prognosis. A variety of parasiticides are effective. Your veterinarian Make Canine should determine which therapy is best for your dog. Some therapies are Skin Solutions™ dangerous in certain breeds. Specific dosing recommendations must be followed Recovery otherwise therapy will not be effective. Shampoo & Spray a part of Cheyletiella (“Walking Dandruff”) your dog’s life! • Highly contagious to cats, dogs, rabbits & humans- because of this ALL species in an affected household must be treated simultaneously otherwise reinfection occurs. Some animals can be asymptomatic carriers.

Parasite Series: Canine Mange: Demodex, Sarcoptes, Cheyletiella, Ear Mites & Chiggers

• Excessive scaling is primary symptom (“dandruff”)- hair coat takes on powdery appearance Mange is a • Itching can be mild to severe, secondary bacterial infection is possible. generic term • Diagnosis is typically easy- mites are easy to find with skin scrapings or tape preps used for all • Excellent prognosis. A variety of parasiticides are effective but systemic therapy generally considered more effective than topical. Your veterinarian should infections determine which therapy is best for your dog or cat. Some therapies are caused by dangerous in certain breeds. Specific dosing recommendations must be followed mites. otherwise therapy will not be effective.

Otodectes Cyanotis (“Ear Mites”)

Many mite • Highly contagious between cats & dogs but not people. infections are • Superficial mites feed off of skin in/around ear canals. Infection causes SEVERE contagious itching around the ears and face. Dark brown, crusty ear discharge common. between • Diagnosis is typically easy- mites are easy to find with otoscopy & ear preps animals (& • Excellent prognosis. Thorough cleaning of the ear canals must be done initially. Followed by a combination of ear preparations combined with whole body people) but treatments. ALL affected and in-contact dogs & cats should be treated. Demodex is not. • A variety of parasiticides are effective. Your veterinarian should determine which therapy is best for your dog or cat. Some therapies are dangerous in certain breeds. Specific dosing recommendations must be followed otherwise therapy will not be effective. Mange is associated with secondary Trombicula (“Chiggers”) infection. • The infectious form is the larval form & not the adult, typically red-orange in color. The larvae live on plants & attach to mammals as they pass by. • Chiggers are NOT contagious between animals or from animals to humans. Infested areas/plants represent a source of infection for all mammals. Make Canine • Typically causes dermatitis along areas that touch the ground (legs feet, head, ears Skin Solutions™ & belly). Variably itchy. Secondary bacterial infection can occur. Recovery • Easy to diagnose with skin scrapings. Sometimes chiggers can be seen visually at Shampoo & the center of a papule if the mite has not been removed by scratching. • Excellent prognosis. Start by keeping dogs away from areas known to be infested Spray a part of (typically brush). your dog’s life! • A variety of topical parasiticides are effective. Your veterinarian should determine which therapy is best for your dog.