Equine Mange
Mange, scabies, scab, or itch in equines is caused, as in other animals, by three species of mites, the sarcoptic, psoroptic, and chorioptic. Usually the disease is transmitted by direct contact, but it may be carried in other ways, since both the mites and the eggs can live for a time off the host animals; hence when mange appears, the premises and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected, and all the horses should be treated.
Itching and the formation of blister like vesicles and of scabs are characteristic signs of mange, but a definite diagnosis must be based on, finding the mites. Sarcoptic mites penetrate the upper layer of skill and make burrows in which mating and egg-laying take place.Isoroptic and chorioptic mites live on the surface of the skin, the Fitter being confined mainly to the lower parts of the legs and to the tail.
Treatment for mange consists in dipping the animals in a vat containing, usually, either a lime-sulfur or a nicotine solution. For the psoroptic and chorioptic types, two dippings are made 10 to 12 days apart, since the first does not kill the eggs and it is necessary to wait until the next generation of mites hatches. For sarcoptic mites four or more dippings, 6 or 7 days apart, may be required. The mites,buried in their tunnels, are hard to reach, and old chronic cases maybe practically incurable. When there are only a few horses to be treated, the solution may be applied with a spray pump instead of in the form of a dip.