The most common type of mange is called sarcoptic mange. It also goes by the moniker scabies. More often than not, it’s just called mange. Ugly, infectious, brutal, and humbling–it is one of the most common and unpleasant infections that animals will get. And it’s not just kitty cats and doggies that get mange. It can also occur in cows, sheep, horses, squirrels, pigs, raccoons, and other critters. Most of the time, however, sarcoptic mange is a dog disease.

What’s Behind Sarcoptic Mange?

Behind any mange is a little nasty mite. In the case of sarcoptic mange, the mite is called the Sarcoptes scabiei canis, which basically means that he’s evil, wicked, mean, and bad, and nasty. The mite’s life cycle involves burrowing deep within an host animal’s skin and feeding off of the host animal’s skin, blood, and hair. Yes. Gross.

What Happens With Sarcoptic Mange?

The result of a burrowing evil little mite is a big mess. The mites don’t merely burrow. They also procreate, leaving behind dozens of little white eggs which eventuate their own little mites, which continue the cycle of burrowing, laying eggs, and so on. Obviously, the mites in the skin cause intense itching. The animal responds to the itching with scratching, and the scratching produces painful sores on the skin.

What Do You Do About Sarcoptic Mange?

You immediately take your pet to a vet. No questions asked. Usually, the veterinarian will diagnose the mange by performing a skin scrape test, just to try to eyeball the little critters under a microscope. The earlier you bring your pet in for treatment, the better. Scabies only worsens over time; it does not merely improve without treatment.