Mange

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Mange
Dogmangeeee.jpg
Dog with hair loss caused by Demodex mites
Specialty Veterinary medicine, dermatology

Mange ( /ˈmn/ ) is a type of skin disease caused by parasitic mites. [1] Because various species of mites also infect plants, birds and reptiles, the term "mange", or colloquially "the mange", suggesting poor condition of the skin and fur due to the infection, is sometimes reserved for pathological mite-infestation of nonhuman mammals. Thus, mange includes mite-associated skin disease in domestic mammals (cats and dogs), in livestock (such as sheep scab), and in wild mammals (for example, foxes, coyotes, cougars, [2] Tasmanian devils, [3] and wombats [4] [5] ). Severe mange caused by mites has been observed in wild bears. [6] Since mites belong to the arachnid subclass Acari (also called Acarina), another term for mite infestation is acariasis.

Contents

Parasitic mites that cause mange in mammals embed themselves in either skin or hair follicles in the animal, depending upon their genus. Sarcoptes spp. burrow into skin, while Demodex spp. live in follicles.

In humans, these two types of mite infections, which would be known as "mange" in furry mammals, are instead known respectively as scabies and demodicosis.

Classification

Demodectic mange

A dog with severe demodectic mange Demodectic mange 2.jpg
A dog with severe demodectic mange

Also called demodicosis or red mange, demodectic mange is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex spp. The two types of demodectic mange are localized and generalized. Localized consists of four spots or less. Demodex is not zoonotic and is not transferable across species. Each host species has its own species of Demodex. For example, dogs are hosts to Demodex canis and cats are hosts to Demodex cati. A type of demodectic infection in humans is known, but is less commonly symptomatic. See Demodex folliculorum .

Sarcoptic mange

A street dog in Bali, Indonesia, suffers from demodectic mange. Street dog-Gianyar Bali-2009.jpeg
A street dog in Bali, Indonesia, suffers from demodectic mange.
Sarcoptes scabiei Canine scabies mite.JPG
Sarcoptes scabiei
Puppy with sarcoptic mange Scabies puppy.jpg
Puppy with sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, is a highly contagious infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei var.canis, a burrowing mite. The canine sarcoptic mite can also infest cats, pigs, horses, sheep, and various other species. The human analog of burrowing mite infection, due to a closely related species, is called scabies (the "seven-year itch").

Burrowing mites are in the family Sarcoptidae. They dig into and through the skin, causing intense itching from an allergic reaction to the mite's feces, and crusting that can quickly become infected. Hair loss and crusting frequently appear first on elbows and ears. Skin damage can occur from the dog's intense scratching and biting. Secondary skin infection is also common. Dogs with chronic sarcoptic mange are often in poor condition, and in both animals and humans, immune suppression from starvation or any other disease causes this type of mange to develop into a highly crusted form in which the burden of mites is far higher than that in initially-healthy individuals.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians usually attempt diagnosis with skin scrapings from multiple areas, which are then examined under a microscope for mites. Sarcoptes mites, because they may be present in relatively low numbers, and because they are often removed by dogs chewing at themselves, may be difficult to demonstrate. As a result, diagnosis in sarcoptic mange is often based on symptoms rather than actual confirmation of the presence of mites. A common and simple way of determining if a dog has mange is if it displays what is called a "pedal-pinna reflex", which is when the dog moves one of its hind legs in a scratching motion as the ear is being manipulated and scratched gently by the examiner; because the mites proliferate on the ear margins in nearly all cases at some point, this method works over 95% of the time. [7] It is helpful in cases where all symptoms of mange are present but no mites are observed with a microscope. The test is also positive in animals with ear mites, an ear canal infection caused by a different but closely related mite (treatment is often the same). In some countries, an available serologic test may be useful in diagnosis.

Treatment

Affected dogs are sometimes isolated from other dogs and their bedding, and places they have occupied must be thoroughly cleaned. Other dogs in contact with a diagnosed case should be evaluated and treated. A number of parasitical treatments are useful in treating canine scabies. Sulfurated lime (a mixture of calcium polysulfides) rinses applied weekly or biweekly are effective (the concentrated form for use on plants as a fungicide must be diluted 1:16 or 1:32 for use on animal skin).

Selamectin is licensed for treatment in dogs by veterinary prescription in several countries; it is applied as a dose directly to the skin, once per month (the drug does not wash off). A related and older drug ivermectin is also effective and can be given by mouth for two to four weekly treatments or until two negative skin scrapings are achieved. Oral ivermectin is not safe to use on some collie-like herding dogs, however, due to possible homozygous MDR1 (P-glycoprotein) mutations that increase its toxicity by allowing it into the brain. Ivermectin injections are also effective and given either weekly or every two weeks in one to four doses, although the same MDR1 dog restrictions apply.

Affected cats can be treated with fipronil and milbemycin oxime. [8]

Topical 0.01% ivermectin in oil (Acarexx) has been reported to be effective in humans, and all mite infections in many types of animals (especially in ear mite infections where the animal cannot lick the treated area), and is so poorly absorbed that systemic toxicity is less likely in these sites.[ citation needed ] Nevertheless, topical ivermectin has not been well enough tested to be approved for this use in dogs, and is theoretically much more dangerous in zones where the animal can potentially lick the treated area. Selamectin applied to the skin (topically) has some of the same theoretical problems in collies and MDR1 dogs as ivermectin, but it has nevertheless been approved for use for all dogs provided that the animal can be observed for eight hours after the first monthly treatment. Topical permethrin is also effective in both dogs and humans, but is toxic to cats.[ citation needed ]

Afoxolaner (oral treatment with a chewable tablet containing afoxolaner 2.27% w/w) has been shown to be efficient against both sarcoptic [9] [10] and demodectic [11] mange in dogs.

Free-ranging wombats are commonly treated topically with moxidectin by wildlife carers in Australia, [12] because it poses a low risk. [13]

Sarcoptic mange is transmissible to humans who come into prolonged contact with infested animals, [14] and is distinguished from human scabies by its distribution on skin surfaces covered by clothing. For treatment of sarcoptic infection in humans, see scabies. For demodetic infection in humans, which is not as severe as it is in animals with thicker coats (such as dogs), see Demodex folliculorum .[ citation needed ]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scabies</span> Human disease

Scabies is a contagious human skin infestation by the tiny (0.2–0.45 mm) mite Sarcoptes scabiei, variety hominis. The word is from Latin: scabere, lit. 'to scratch'. The most common symptoms are severe itchiness and a pimple-like rash. Occasionally, tiny burrows may appear on the skin. In a first-ever infection, the infected person usually develops symptoms within two to six weeks. During a second infection, symptoms may begin within 24 hours. These symptoms can be present across most of the body or just certain areas such as the wrists, between fingers, or along the waistline. The head may be affected, but this is typically only in young children. The itch is often worse at night. Scratching may cause skin breakdown and an additional bacterial infection in the skin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parasitology</span> Study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them

Parasitology is the study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them. As a biological discipline, the scope of parasitology is not determined by the organism or environment in question but by their way of life. This means it forms a synthesis of other disciplines, and draws on techniques from fields such as cell biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, evolution and ecology.

<i>Sarcoptes scabiei</i> Species of mite

Sarcoptes scabiei or the itch mite is a parasitic mite found in all parts of the world that burrows into skin and causes scabies. Humans become infested by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis; other mammals can be infested with different varieties of the mite. They include wild and domesticated dogs and cats, ungulates, wild boars, bovids, wombats, koalas, and great apes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demodicosis</span> Animal disease caused by hosting of mites (genus Demodex)

Demodicosis, also called Demodex folliculitis in humans and demodectic mange or red mange in animals, is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodexspp. as the host's immune system is unable to keep the mites under control.

<i>Demodex</i> Genus of mites that live on mammals

Demodex is a genus of tiny mites that live in or near hair follicles of mammals. Around 65 species of Demodex are known. Two species live on humans: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, both frequently referred to as eyelash mites, alternatively face mites or skin mites.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ivermectin</span> Medication for parasite infestations

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug. After its discovery in 1975, its first uses were in veterinary medicine to prevent and treat heartworm and acariasis. Approved for human use in 1987, it is used to treat infestations including head lice, scabies, river blindness (onchocerciasis), strongyloidiasis, trichuriasis, ascariasis and lymphatic filariasis. It works through many mechanisms to kill the targeted parasites, and can be taken by mouth, or applied to the skin for external infestations. It belongs to the avermectin family of medications.

Skin disorders are among the most common health problems in dogs, and have many causes. The condition of a dog's skin and coat is also an important indicator of its general health. Skin disorders of dogs vary from acute, self-limiting problems to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-time treatment. Skin disorders may be primary or secondary in nature, making diagnosis complicated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Selamectin</span> Topical parasiticide for dogs and cats

Selamectin, sold under the brand name Revolution, among others, is a topical parasiticide and anthelminthic used on dogs and cats. It treats and prevents infections of heartworms, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange (scabies), and certain types of ticks in dogs, and prevents heartworms, fleas, ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms in cats. It is structurally related to ivermectin and milbemycin. Selamectin is not approved for human use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moxidectin</span> Chemical compound

Moxidectin is an anthelmintic drug used in animals to prevent or control parasitic worms (helminths), such as heartworm and intestinal worms, in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep and wombats. Moxidectin kills some of the most common internal and external parasites by selectively binding to a parasite's glutamate-gated chloride ion channels. These channels are vital to the function of invertebrate nerve and muscle cells; when moxidectin binds to the channels, it disrupts neurotransmission, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite.

Acariasis is an infestation with mites.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ear mite</span> Common name of many species of mites that live in the ears of animals and humans

Ear mites are mites that live in the ears of animals. The most commonly seen species in veterinary medicine is Otodectes cynotis. This species, despite its name, is also responsible for 90% of ear mite infections in felines.

<i>Cheyletiella</i> Genus of mites

Cheyletiella is a genus of mites that live on the skin surface of dogs, cats, and rabbits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thelaziasis</span> Medical condition

Thelaziasis is the term for infestation with parasitic nematodes of the genus Thelazia. The adults of all Thelazia species discovered so far inhabit the eyes and associated tissues of various mammal and bird hosts, including humans. Thelazia nematodes are often referred to as "eyeworms".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milbemycin oxime</span> Chemical compound

Milbemycin oxime, sold under the brand name Interceptor among others, is a veterinary medication from the group of milbemycins, used as a broad spectrum antiparasitic. It is active against worms (anthelmintic) and mites (miticide).

The Anthrax mite is a pathogenic mite and an intermediate host of anthrax.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mites of domestic animals</span> Type of parasite of domestic animals

Mites that infest and parasitize domestic animals cause disease and loss of production. Mites are small invertebrates, most of which are free living but some are parasitic. Mites are similar to ticks and both comprise the order Acari in the phylum Arthropoda. Mites are highly varied and their classification is complex; a simple grouping is used in this introductory article. Vernacular terms to describe diseases caused by mites include scab, mange, and scabies. Mites and ticks have substantially different biology from, and are classed separately from, insects. Mites of domestic animals cause important types of skin disease, and some mites infest other organs. Diagnosis of mite infestations can be difficult because of the small size of most mites, but understanding how mites are adapted to feed within the structure of the skin is useful.

Demodex bovis, also known as the cattle follicle mite, usually causes demodicosis, or demodectic mange, in cattle. This disease is common in tropical areas and is not usually found in temperate environments. Demodicosis is characterized by the formation of papules and nodules over the cattle's skin. These lesions most commonly occur on the neck, shoulders, and armpit of cattle; however, sometimes they also appear on the udder. This condition is often found in cattle with increased stress from pregnancy or lactation. Natural and acquired immunity can cause a decrease in the number of mites infesting a cow, as well as decreasing the severity of a cow's symptoms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mites of livestock</span> Small crawling animals related to ticks and spiders

Mites are small crawling animals related to ticks and spiders. Most mites are free-living and harmless. Other mites are parasitic, and those that infest livestock animals cause many diseases that are widespread, reduce production and profit for farmers, and are expensive to control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Notoedric mange</span> Skin disease caused by parasitic mites

Notoedric mange, also referred to as Feline scabies, is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by an ectoparasitic and skin burrowing mite Notoedres cati. N. cati is primarily a parasite of felids, but it can also infest rodents, lagomorphs, and occasionally also dogs and foxes. This skin disease also has zoonotic potential. Infestation is also called acariasis, which refers to a rash that is caused by mites.

Imidacloprid/moxidectin, sold under the brand names Advantage Multi for Dogs and Advantage Multi for Cats among others, is a medicine for dogs and cats to treat heartworm, fleas, sarcoptic mange, intestinal parasites and ear mites.

References

  1. "Mange – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-webster.com. 2010-08-13. Archived from the original on 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
  2. "Adult female P-65 is the first mountain lion in study to die of complications from mange". Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. National Park Service. 26 September 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  3. Russell GG, Wilkinson V, Pefanis S, et al. Sarcoptic Mange in a Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and Bennett’s Wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 2024. |doi=10.7589/jwd-d-23-00192|doi-access=free |
  4. Old, J. M.; Sengupta, C.; Narayan, E.; Wolfenden, J. (April 2018). "Sarcoptic mange in wombats-A review and future research directions". Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 65 (2): 399–407. doi: 10.1111/tbed.12770 . PMID   29150905.
  5. Mayadunnage, Sujatha; Stannard, Hayley J.; West, Peter; Old, Julie M. (2023). "Spatial and temporal patterns of sarcoptic mange in wombats using the citizen science tool, WomSAT". Integrative Zoology. 19 (3): 387–399. doi: 10.1111/1749-4877.12776 .
  6. "Wild bear mange" (PDF).
  7. "Sarcoptic Mites and Mange: Also Known As Scabies in Dogs and Cats". Thepetcenter.com. Archived from the original on 1999-10-08. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
  8. Eldredge, Debra M. (2008). Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook. Howell Book House. p. 145.
  9. Beugnet, Frédéric; de Vos, Christa; Liebenberg, Julian; Halos, Lénaïg; Larsen, Diane; Fourie, Josephus (2016). "Efficacy of afoxolaner in a clinical field study in dogs naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei". Parasite. 23: 26. doi:10.1051/parasite/2016026. ISSN   1776-1042. PMC   4912682 . PMID   27317462. Archived from the original on 2018-05-03. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. Hampel, Verena; Knaus, Martin; Schäfer, Jürgen; Beugnet, Frederic; Rehbein, Steffen (2018). "Treatment of canine sarcoptic mange with afoxolaner (NexGard®) and afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime (NexGard Spectra®) chewable tablets: efficacy under field conditions in Portugal and Germany". Parasite. 25: 63. doi:10.1051/parasite/2018064. ISSN   1776-1042. PMC   6280674 . PMID   30516132. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. Beugnet, Frédéric; Halos, Lénaïg; Larsen, Diane; de Vos, Christa (2016). "Efficacy of oral afoxolaner for the treatment of canine generalised demodicosis". Parasite. 23: 14. doi:10.1051/parasite/2016014. ISSN   1776-1042. PMC   4807374 . PMID   27012161. Archived from the original on 2018-05-03. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  12. Old, Julie M.; Skelton, Candice J. A.; Stannard, Hayley J. (March 2021). "The use of Cydectin® by wildlife carers to treat sarcoptic mange in free-ranging bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus)". Parasitology Research. 120 (3): 1077–1090. doi:10.1007/s00436-020-07012-8. PMID   33438043.
  13. Schraven, Andrea L.; Stannard, Hayley J.; Old, Julie M. (April 2021). "A systematic review of moxidectin as a treatment for parasitic infections in mammalian species". Parasitology Research. 120 (4): 1167–1181. doi:10.1007/s00436-021-07092-0.
  14. Borgman W (June 30, 2006). Dog mange called scabies can transfer to humans. Orlando Sentinel archive Archived 2015-02-16 at the Wayback Machine . Retrieved February 16, 2015.

Further reading