Mange is a very common skin condition in animals which is caused by mites. It can be diagnosed easily with a physical examination and confirmed further by a laboratory analysis of skin scrapings from the affected area.
To examine an animal for mange, look for lesions, patches of hair loss, scaling or crusting of the skin, redness and inflammation in different parts of the body, such as the ears and legs. You can also check for any burrows or tunnels near the skin surface which may indicate the presence of mites. If you suspect that your pet has mange, it’s important to take them to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Once at the vet, they will perform lab tests on samples taken from your pet’s skin to confirm if they have mange or not. Skin scrapings are put under a microscope to determine whether there are mites present or not. Depending on what type of mite your pet has, medications may be prescribed to eliminate them and treat any secondary symptoms such as itching or inflammation.
In addition to medication, your veterinarian might also suggest other treatments such as special shampoos or ointments to help soothe the irritated area and moisturize their dry skin. Regular cleaning of their fur and environment along with good hygiene practices (such as keeping their bedding clean) is also important if you want them to get rid of mange quickly and effectively.
What is mange?
Mange is a skin condition caused by mites and other external parasites. It often affects animals, but can also affect humans in rare cases. Mange symptoms vary depending on the flea tick seresto type of mite causing it, but typically include itching, redness, hair loss, crusting of the skin, flaking of the skin, a rash or bumps on the skin, scabs and sores.
Mites are very small creatures that look like little worms with six legs. There are different varieties of mange mites that cause different types of mange in animals and humans. Sarcoptic mange is usually caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites which burrow into the top layer of the skin to lay their eggs. Other types include demodectic mange (demodicosis), caused by Demodex folliculorum mites; notoedric mange (feline scabies), caused by Cheyletiella yasguri mites; or ear mange (otitis externa), caused by Psoroptes cuniculi mites.
If you suspect your pet has mange, it’s important to see your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment options.
Signs and symptoms of mange
Mange is a skin condition caused by mites that burrow under the skin, causing irritation, itching and bald patches. Different types of mange have different signs and symptoms. So, it’s important to be aware of these signs and symptoms to confirm if you or your pet has mange.
The most common sign of mange is itching and redness of the skin. You may also notice patches of balding or flaky skin as well as reddish-brown spots which contain mites. As the condition progresses, more intense itching may occur, accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection which can cause further inflammation and discomfort. Other associated symptoms include secondary hair loss, crusts, scales and even swelling in more severe cases.
Diagnosing mange
Diagnosing mange is an important first step in confirming a diagnosis and creating a treatment plan. In most cases, your veterinarian will physically examine any affected areas of skin and check for signs of hair loss or scaling, itching or redness on the skin. He or she may also take a scraping from the affected area that can be examined under a microscope to look for mites that are common with mange.
Your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests in order to rule out other conditions such as secondary bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances, or other diseases that could be contributing to the symptoms. X-rays may also be helpful in determining overall health, as well as for detecting any abscesses or lesions caused by mange mites. Once all of this information has been gathered and analyzed, your veterinarian can make a more accurate diagnosis and devise an appropriate course of treatment.
Treatment options
Mange is an extremely contagious skin condition that’s caused by microscopic mites. It typically affects animals, but can sometimes infect humans. The good news is that there are several treatments available.
One of the most common treatments for mange is oral medications such as ivermectin, selamectin, or milbemycin oxime. Topical creams or lotions may also be prescribed to help manage the itching. Antihistamines may help reduce inflammation and itching associated with mange.
Your vet will recommend a specific treatment depending on your pet’s individual needs and the type of mange they have contracted. In some cases, more than one treatment option may be suggested to get rid of stubborn mange mites. Home remedies may also be used to provide some relief from discomfort and itching associated with mange. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before beginning any at-home treatments, however, as some home remedies can actually make the problem worse.
How to prevent further infestation
Once you have confirmed mange, it’s imperative to take steps to prevent further infestation. Here are some tips:
• Keep vegetation and foliage away from the impacted area. Allow for free flow of air within the afflicted space and limit contact with other animals that may be carrying mites.
• Regularly groom your pets and bathe them using medicated shampoo that specifically targets mites.
• Frequent vacuuming and cleaning of floors, furniture, and bedding that may have been exposed to mites is important in reducing the chance of further spread.
• Apply insecticides or acaricides (anti-mite drugs) around the infected area as directed by your veterinarian — be sure to use products formulated for household use only, not garden or agricultural products.
• Isolate your pets from any other animals who may potentially carry mites for a period of at least 1 month after treatment has begun. This will minimize the risk of infection spreading back and forth between animals, as well as ensuring ample time for the medication to take effect..