Veterinary
Mange
Definition
Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow into or live on the skin, resulting in intense itching, hair loss, and crusty lesions in dogs and other animals.
Extended explanation
The two main types are sarcoptic mange (scabies), which is highly contagious and zoonotic, and demodectic mange (demodex), caused by mites that normally live in hair follicles and flare when the immune system is compromised. Sarcoptic mange causes frantic scratching, especially on ear margins and elbows. Demodectic mange often appears as patchy hair loss on the face and legs of puppies.
Diagnosis may involve skin scrapings, though sarcoptic mites can be difficult to find. Treatment includes medicated dips, oral or topical antiparasitic medications like ivermectin or isoxazoline products, and sometimes antibiotics for secondary infections.