Fur Flake Frenzy (Mange)

Mange and More: The Many Faces of Mite Infestations

Welcome to the itchiest show on Earth! Today, we're diving into the world of mange, where pets and livestock alike put on their own version of a fur-raising spectacle. From mites to mayhem, get ready for a wild ride through the ins and outs of this pesky skin condition.

Mange, a skin condition caused by mites infestation, poses significant challenges to both the health and productivity of animals across various species. While it primarily affects domestic animals like dogs, cats, and livestock, wild animals are not exempt from its grasp. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of mange, exploring how and why it occurs.

What is Mange?

Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by microscopic mites which infest the skin and/or hair follicles causing irritation, inflammation, and in severe cases, secondary bacterial infections.

Common symptoms

1. Intense pruritus (itching) due to hypersensitivity to bites
2. Foul odour that exudes from infested animals
3. Alopecia (Hair loss or thinning coat)
4. Lesions on the ventral abdomen, chests, ears, elbows and hocks
5. Redness, inflammation, or crusting of the skin
6. Thickened or wrinkled skin
7. Secondary bacterial infections
8. Restlessness or behavioural changes

Types of Mange

1. Sarcoptic Mange: Also known as scabies, this type of mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. It affects a wide range of animals, including dogs, foxes, coyotes, and even humans. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through direct contact.
2. Demodectic Mange: Caused by Demodex mites, demodectic mange is non-contagious and primarily affects dogs, though it can also occur in cats and other animals. It is often associated with underlying health issues or weakened immune systems.
3. Cheyletiellosis: Also called the walking dandruff. It's a highly contagious disease of cats, dogs and rabbits associated with generalized or miliary dermatitis in cats.
4. Otodectic Mange: Caused by Otodectes cynotis, it burrows into the ears of dogs and cats causing inflammation and irritation. Mites feed on epidermal debris and ear wax leading to dark brown ceriman (ear wax) accumulation in the ear canal.
5. Notoedric mange: Affects cats, associated with severe itching with crust formation and alopecia of ears, head and neck. A highly contagious disease of cats and kittens and like scabies, it's of zoonotic importance.
6. Chorioptic Mange( leg mange/foot mange): Chorioptic mange is caused by Chorioptes mites and primarily affects cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. It is characterized by intense itching, leading to hair loss, thickened skin, and crust formation.

How it affects animals.

• Infestation: Mites typically infest the skin of animals, including pets and livestock. The infestation can occur through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
• Burrowing and Feeding: Once on the host, mites burrow into the skin to lay eggs and feed on skin cells, hair follicles, and tissue fluids. This burrowing behaviour leads to irritation, inflammation, and damage to the skin.
• Immune Response: The host's immune system reacts to the presence of mites and their waste products by initiating an inflammatory response. This response includes the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators, leading to itching, redness, swelling and the formation of crusts or scabs on the skin.
• Hair Loss and Skin Lesions: As the infestation progresses, the constant burrowing and feeding activity of mites cause significant damage to the skin. This damage results in hair loss, crusting, thickening of the skin (hyperkeratosis), and the formation of lesions, which may become infected with bacteria or fungi.
• Secondary Infections: The compromised skin barrier and immune response associated with mange make the affected animals more susceptible to secondary bacterial or fungal infections. These infections can exacerbate the clinical signs of mange, lead to further discomfort and complications and prolong the healing process.

Impact on pets and livestock.

Impact on livestock

Mange can have serious implications for animal health and welfare. The incessant itching and discomfort can lead to self-trauma, open wounds, and susceptibility to secondary infections. In severe cases, untreated mange can result in weight loss, dehydration, and even death, particularly in young or debilitated animals.

Furthermore, mange compromises the integrity of the skin, which serves as the primary barrier against environmental pathogens. This not only exacerbates the risk of infection but also impairs thermoregulation, making animals more susceptible to heat stress or hypothermia depending on the climate.

Livestock affected by mange may experience reduced feed intake, poor weight gain, and decreased milk or wool production. Moreover, the presence of mange-infested animals can lead to economic losses due to decreased market value, treatment costs, and potential spread to other animals within the herd or flock.

Impact on pets

It significantly impacts pets by causing intense itching, discomfort, and visible skin damage. This relentless irritation leads to excessive scratching, hair loss, and the formation of scabs and sores, which can predispose pets to secondary bacterial infections. Beyond physical suffering, mange can affect a pet's overall well-being, causing stress, anxiety, and behavioural changes. If left untreated, severe cases may result in weight loss, weakened immunity, and a decline in the pet's quality of life.

Zoonotic importance

The zoonotic importance of mange in livestock and pets primarily revolves around the potential for certain types of mange, particularly sarcoptic mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei transmission to humans. This mite can cause a condition known as scabies in humans, characterized by intense itching, redness, and a rash. People in close contact with infested animals, such as farmers, veterinarians, and pet owners, are at higher risk of contracting this zoonotic disease. Although human scabies can be effectively treated, the transmission highlights the importance of managing and treating mange in animals to protect both animal and human health, prevent discomfort, and avoid secondary complications. Maintaining good hygiene, using protective measures when handling infested animals, and ensuring timely veterinary intervention are key to mitigating this risk.

Treatment

Treatment of mange typically involves topical or systemic administration of acaricidal medications, along with supportive care to alleviate itching and promote skin healing. However, treatment efficacy may vary depending on the type and severity of mange, as well as individual animal factors such as age and overall health.

If your furry or feathered friends start itching like there's no tomorrow, it's time to call the vet and save the day—before they scratch their way to an Olympic gold

Summary

Mange, a skin condition caused by mites, wreaks havoc on pets and livestock, leading to intense itching, hair loss, and skin lesions. This blog delves into the different types of mange, including sarcoptic and chorioptic mange, exploring their symptoms and why it happen. We emphasize the importance of early detection and veterinary intervention to prevent severe discomfort and secondary infections. The zoonotic potential of mange, particularly its ability to spread from animals to humans, underscores the need for effective management and preventive measures. Regular veterinary care, good hygiene practices, and timely treatments are crucial to keeping your animals healthy and itch-free

Check out previous post - Mite-y Problems in Pet and Livestock Care