Mange Mange is the common name for skin diseases due to parasitic microscopic Mites. Different types of mites can cause and carry diseases or cause inflammation and irritation of the skin in man and animals. Mange refers to the disease that parasitic skin mites cause; namely damaged and inflammed skin along with secondary allergic and bacterial problems. There are two classes of mites affecting dogs and cats. They both cause skin problems but they are quite different. They look different under the microscope and they have different life cycles. Demodex and Sarcoptic mange affect dogs and cats. Sarcoptic Mange The sarcoptic mange mite is very contagious from one animal to another. This mite burrows into the skin to lay its eggs and causes severe itch problems. The dog or cat's skin will be very red and raw and will be covered wth secondary scabs, scales and infection. Additionally there is usually a lot of hair loss. Humans are rarely susceptible to these particular mites, but may develop a temporary skin rash from exposure. As with demodex mange, sarcoptic mange is diagnosed through skin scrappings and microscopic examination. If there are multiple pets within a family where one is diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, all of the animals should be evaluated and possibly treated.
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