Mange

Mange is a general term for a skin condition caused by parasitic mites. The two most common types in pets are Sarcoptic Mange (scabies) and Demodectic Mange. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and caused by mites that burrow into the skin, leading to extreme itchiness, red crusty lesions, and hair loss, often affecting the ears, elbows, and hocks. Demodectic mange is caused by mites that live in hair follicles; it is not typically contagious and often affects young animals or those with weakened immune systems, causing patchy hair loss and skin thickening, but less intense itching unless secondary infections develop. Diagnosis involves skin scrapes to identify the mites. Treatment depends on the type of mange and can include medicated shampoos, dips, oral medications, or topical spot-on treatments. Early and consistent treatment is key to recovery.