Skin Diseases, Mange & Ringworm in Dogs & Cats

What is a skin disease like mange or ringworm?

Skin problems are common in dogs and cats, and more than one cause can happen at once:

• Mange is caused by tiny mites. Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is very itchy and spreads easily. Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites that live in hair roots; it often affects young dogs or pets with weak immunity and is not usually contagious. Ear mites affect both dogs and cats.
• Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. It often causes round, scaly, bald patches and is common in kittens and puppies.
• Bacterial and yeast infections often follow another problem, such as an allergy, mites or a hormone disorder.

Ringworm and sarcoptic mange can pass to people. Wear gloves when handling an affected pet, wash your hands afterwards, and see a doctor if you notice an itchy rash or skin patches.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Itching, scratching, licking or chewing
• Hair loss in patches or large areas
• Round, scaly bald patches
• Red skin, pimples, scabs or crusts
• Dandruff, greasy skin or a bad smell
• Head shaking or ear scratching

Different causes can look alike, so tests help tell them apart.

Which lab tests help

A Skin Scraping (Mange Mite Examination) looks for mites in skin scrapings under the microscope. Sarcoptes mites can be hard to find, so a negative scraping does not rule out scabies. A Hair Pluck Examination (Trichogram) checks plucked hairs for Demodex mites and fungal spores. Ear discharge can be checked with an Ear Mite (Otodectes) Examination or Ear Swab Cytology.

For ringworm, the Fungus Examination Routine looks for fungal spores and threads on hairs and skin flakes. The Fungal Culture grows the fungus, which helps when the microscope check is unclear.

Skin Impression Smear Cytology checks a slide or tape pressed on the skin for bacteria, yeast and inflammatory cells. For deep or repeated infections, a Skin Scraping Bacterial Culture & Sensitivity names the bacteria and shows which antibiotics may work, so your vet can decide what to use. The Dermatitis Safety Panel groups a blood count with fungal tests and an IgE test.

Problems that keep coming back may have a hidden cause, such as an allergy or a hormone problem. A registered veterinarian reads each result together with your pet's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your pet is itching a lot, losing hair, or has sores, scabs or a bad smell from the skin or ears. A pet with open, painful wounds, or skin problems with fever or low energy, should see a vet the same day. Unless your vet says otherwise, avoid creams or washes before samples are taken, as they can affect results.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, samples can be sent through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 first. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports reach you on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.