Sarcoptic Vs Demodectic Mange In Dogs

Demodectic mange is a little different from sarcoptic mange.

Sarcoptic vs demodectic mange in dogs. Though both can be serious the two forms of the disease differ somewhat in the symptoms they present see part 1 and have different causes. In reality however mange is a general term that is used to describe the variety of microscopic parasites called mites that cause hair loss and can lead to skin infections. Dogs can contract two forms of mange sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange. Differentiate between sarcoptic and demodectic mange.

Sarcoptic mange aka scabies sarcoptic mange is an infection of the skin caused by microscopic eight legged mites known as sarcoptes scabei. Sarcoptic mange can be treated many different ways including the same methods used for demodectic mange. Sarcoptic mange infection of the skin with the microscopic parasitic mite sarcoptes scabei sarcoptic mange is contagious and most dogs catch the disease via direct contact with an infected individual. Here s a primer on the two most common types of mange in dogs sarcoptic and demodectic in compare and contrast style.

When people hear the word mange it conjures up images of hairless dogs with contagious itchy skin. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease found in dogs caused by the sarcoptes scabiei mite. This type of mange is contagious and can be transferred to other animals and even people although it doesn t tend to thrive on species other than dogs. The skin lesions and history are enough to give your veterinarian a good idea of which mange mite we re dealing with.

Occasionally hereditary factors may be to blame. In dogs there are two major forms of mange each caused by different mites. Sarcoptic vs demodectic mange. Some popular topical flea medications such as revolution are also labeled for use to treat sarcoptic mange.

One lives just under the surface of the skin sarcoptic mange see handout sarcoptic mange in dogs for more information while the other resides in the hair follicles demodectic mange although both mites share similar characteristics there are also important differences. Patchy hairless lesions on a young pup. Learn more about mange symptoms treatment. Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites.

These mites will burrow through the skin causing intense itching and irritation. The scratching that results from mange is what causes the majority of the animal s hair to fall out. Since dogs usually cause so much trauma to their skin secondary bacterial or yeast infections can arise. Demodex mites live deeper in the skin than sarcoptic mites.

An older dog who is scratching their ears and elbows off in the exam room.