Psoroptic Mange Psoroptic mange, commonly referred to as mane mange, affects all large, domestic animals though it is considered in horses. It is caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis which lives on the skin in thickly haired areas such as the mane, forelock and the base of the tail. This mite feeds on the surface layers of skin causing pruritis, papules, alopecia, scale & crusting. Prevalence increases in the winter.
Diagnosis, treatment & prevention are the same as discussed in leg mange.
Psoroptes cuniculi (a variant of P. ovis) is another mite that lives in the inner
and
causes
. The mite feeds off of the epidermal tissue causing pruritis.
Infestations of this type of mite may lead to
, ear twitching and
sensitivity around the ears.
Sarcoptic Mange Sarcoptic mange is considered the most severe type of mange and as such it is a reportable disease in Canada. It affects most mammals, horses and humans included. It is very contagious and possibly zoonotic. Sarcoptic mange is caused by the Sarcoptes scabeii var equi mite. This mite burrows into the living cells of the epidermis to lay eggs resulting in the formation of that are pruritic. The papules spread and the pruritus intensifies over time. As the eggs hatch the papules ulcerate and crust forms. Alopecia & lichenification develops in affected areas. As the mites proliferate and spread the host animal becomes lethargic, weak, anorexic and emaciated.
Diagnosis involves skin biopsy as skin scrapings may not prove infestation. Treatment & prevention are discussed previously.
Demodectic Mange Demodectic mange is considered rare in horses; however, it is considered a serious disease as there is no known treatment for this condition.
Demodectic mange is caused by the Demodex equi or D. caballi mites. These mites burrow into the sebaceous gland and where they feed and proliferate.
The clinical signs of demodectic mange include nodules accompanied by patchy alopecia and scales. Lesions are generally located on the face, neck, shoulder and forelimb. Unlike other forms of mange demodectic mange is not pruritic. It is associated with chronic cortisone administration or pituitary dysfunction.
Although there is no known treatment, there is evidence that it could be self-limiting.
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