Mangy

Mangy is a term often used to describe the condition of an animal suffering from mange, a type of skin disease caused by parasitic mites. Mange can affect a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and even wildlife. The condition is characterized by severe itching, hair loss, and the formation of scabs and lesions on the skin.

Types of Mange

There are several types of mange, each caused by different species of mites:

• Sarcoptic mange: Also known as canine scabies, this type is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It is highly contagious and can spread between animals and humans.
• Demodectic mange: Caused by the Demodex mite, this type is less contagious and often affects animals with weakened immune systems.
• Notoedric mange: Primarily affects cats and is caused by the Notoedres cati mite.
• Psoroptic mange: Affects livestock such as sheep and cattle, caused by the Psoroptes mite.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mange can vary depending on the type of mite involved but generally include:

• Intense itching and scratching
• Redness and inflammation of the skin
• Hair loss
• Formation of scabs and crusty lesions
• Thickening of the skin in chronic cases

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of mange typically involves a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tests. A veterinarian may perform a skin scraping to identify the presence of mites under a microscope. In some cases, a biopsy or other diagnostic tests may be necessary.

Treatment

Treatment for mange depends on the type and severity of the infestation. Common treatments include:

• Topical medications to kill mites
• Oral medications to eliminate mites and reduce inflammation
• Medicated baths and dips
• Antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections

Prevention

Preventing mange involves maintaining good hygiene and regular veterinary care. For pets, this includes routine grooming and the use of preventive medications. For livestock, proper management practices and regular health checks are essential.

Related Pages

• Sarcoptic mange
• Demodectic mange
• Notoedric mange
• Psoroptic mange
• Skin disease
• Parasitic mite
• Veterinary medicine