Mange treatment costs $200-$600 - caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin or live in hair follicles. There are two main types: demodectic mange (from Demodex mites, not contagious) and sarcoptic mange (from Sarcoptes mites, highly contagious to other dogs and humans). Both cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections. Treatment takes 4-8 weeks.
Demodectic (Demodex) mites live in hair follicles - normally present on all dogs. Flare when immunity weakens, typically in puppies or immunocompromised dogs. Sarcoptic (Sarcoptes) mites burrow into skin causing intense itching and are highly contagious. Two types: demodectic and sarcoptic
Demodectic: patchy hair loss on face and legs, red scaly skin, minimal itching. Sarcoptic: intense itching, constant scratching, crusty red skin on ear tips, elbows, belly. Secondary infections common in both types. Sarcoptic mange causes intense, constant itching
Skin scraping ($50-$100) - vet examines sample under microscope to identify mites. Demodex deep in follicles requires deeper scraping. Sarcoptic mites harder to find, multiple scrapings needed. Negative result doesn't rule out sarcoptic. Trial treatment may start based on symptoms. Average $50-$150
Isoxazoline medications (NexGard, Bravecto, Simparica) - primary treatment for both types, $30-$80/month. Ivermectin ($20-$50/treatment) is older option. Antibiotics for secondary infections ($50-$150). Medicated baths ($20-$50 each). Continues until skin scrapings clear. Average $200-$600
Diagnosis + 4-8 weeks of treatment + follow-up skin scrapings. Generalized demodectic mange costs more - $500-$1,000+.
Shar-Peis, Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are most prone to demodectic mange.
Treatment takes 4-8 weeks minimum. Generalized demodectic mange can take 3-6 months. Two negative scrapings confirm cure.
Monthly isoxazoline preventatives protect against sarcoptic mange. Don't breed dogs that had generalized demodex. Healthy immune system is key.
02/04
Diagnosis + 4-8 weeks of treatment + follow-up skin scrapings.
Most policies cover mange diagnosis and treatment as standard illness. 14-day waiting period applies. Both demodectic and sarcoptic treatment - medications, medicated baths, follow-up scrapings - typically covered.
Demodectic mange often appears in puppies under 18 months. If diagnosed before enrollment, future skin and mange claims denied as pre-existing. Even resolved localized puppy demodex creates permanent record.
Mange costs $250-$750. With a $500 deductible, simple cases may not exceed it. Generalized demodectic ($500-$1,000+) and chronic cases provide more value.
Mange treatment covered as illness care. But isoxazoline meds used for treatment are same as flea/tick prevention - only treatment doses covered, not ongoing preventive use.
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