Gale chez les Chiens : Demodex et Sarcoptes
La gale cause la perte de poils, les démangeaisons et l'infection de la peau. Savoir quel type votre chien a détermine l'approche de traitement.
Mange is caused by microscopic mites that live in or on the skin. Two types affect dogs: demodectic mange (Demodex) and sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes, also called scabies). They have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. RVC can diagnose mange with skin scrapings and provide effective treatment. Call +853 6677 6611.
Points Clés
- Demodex mites are normal skin inhabitants that overgrow in immunocompromised dogs
- Sarcoptes mites are contagious and cause intense itching
- Demodex causes patchy hair loss; Sarcoptes causes severe itching and crusting
- Diagnosis requires deep skin scraping or tape prep examination
- Treatment includes medicated dips, oral medications, or injectables
- Sarcoptic mange is zoonotic — humans can develop temporary itchy rash
Demodectic Mange
Demodex canis mites live in hair follicles. Most dogs have small numbers without problems. Overgrowth occurs in puppies with immature immune systems (localized demodex) or adult dogs with weakened immunity (generalized demodex). Localized demodex appears as small patches of hair loss, usually on the face or legs, with mild or no itching. Generalized demodex causes widespread hair loss, skin infections, and can be life-threatening.
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
Sarcoptes scabiei mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching. Dogs scratch constantly, leading to hair loss, crusting, and skin thickening. Common areas affected: ear margins, elbows, hocks, chest, and belly. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious between dogs and can temporarily affect humans (causing itchy red bumps that resolve when the dog is treated). It's one of the itchiest conditions in veterinary medicine.
Diagnosis
Demodex is diagnosed with deep skin scrapings — squeezing the skin to push mites out of follicles, then scraping until capillary bleeding occurs. Sarcoptes is harder to find — multiple superficial scrapings may be needed, and sometimes mites are never found despite classic symptoms. In these cases, response to treatment confirms diagnosis. Skin biopsies, tape preparations, and fecal flotation are alternative diagnostic methods.
Treatment
Demodex treatment: isoxazoline drugs (afoxolaner, fluralaner, sarolaner) are now the treatment of choice — given orally monthly. For severe cases, daily ivermectin or milbemycin may be used under close veterinary supervision. Treat secondary skin infections with antibiotics. Generalized demodex in adults requires investigation for underlying immunosuppression. Sarcoptes treatment: isoxazolines are highly effective. All in-contact dogs should be treated.
Quand Aller chez le Vétérinaire
- Patchy hair loss, especially in young dogs
- Intense itching that doesn't respond to flea treatment
- Crusty ear margins or thickened skin on elbows
- Family members developing itchy rashes
- Hair loss with secondary skin infection (pus, odor)
- Generalized hair loss in an adult dog
Comment le Centre Royal Peut Aider
RVC diagnoses and treats all types of mange. If your dog has hair loss or intense itching, schedule an appointment at +853 6677 6611.
Cet article est à titre éducatif uniquement. Contactez le Centre Royal au +853 6677 6611.