Hi.

Im having a discussion on another forum at the moment regarding sarcoptic mange. I was under the imperssion that its caused by a mite, as with other types of mange. But the person Im having the discussion with insists that sarcoptic mange is a genetic disorder that is linked to liver function.

A google search tells me that it is caused by mites, but can it ever be a genetic issue? Other than an animal having a poor immune system leaving it more vulnerable to attack.

Thanks

You're right, it's caused by a mite. The other person could be confusing it with demodectic mange, the mite of which is carried by all dogs, but only causes a problem when their immune system is under par, and isn't contagious. It's believed that a tendency to a poor immune system could be genetic, so dogs which have been affected by demodex shouldn't be bred from. The sarcoptes mite, on the other hand, can be caught at any stage and is contagious.

Edit: Neither type of mange has anything to do with liver function.

I thought so.
Thankyou

They are perhaps confusing it with Demodex canis mange

It is believed that susceptibility to Demodex canis mange can also be inherited. This is the reason some veterinarians do not recommend breeding dogs that have ever gotten demodectic mange. The most common finding in dogs with this type of mange is hair loss that starts on the face and/or legs. Demodex canis mange mange does not cause itchiness unless a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Demodex canis mange is not considered to be contagious to other dogs and isolation from unaffected dogs is not believed to be necessary. This type of mange is not contagious to people.

Thanks for the extra info. I had a feeling I was right