🦠 Vet Guide: Preventing and Controlling Mange in Horses | 2025 Types, Symptoms & Treatment Options 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Mange isn’t just a problem for dogs—it can affect horses too. While rare, equine mange is a **highly contagious skin disease** caused by mites. Left untreated, it leads to **intense itching, hair loss, secondary infections**, and even weakness. 🐎⚠️

In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore the different types of mange in horses, how to spot the signs early, and the most effective ways to treat and prevent this condition—especially in barns with multiple horses. 🧠🧴

🔍 What Is Mange in Horses?

Mange is a skin disease caused by **microscopic mites**. These parasites burrow into or live on the skin, triggering inflammation, itching, and crusting. It’s less common in horses than in dogs—but when it does occur, it can be severe and highly contagious. 🦠

Key Symptoms of Mange:

• 😖 Intense itching and rubbing
• 🧱 Hair loss with scabs or crusts
• 💥 Skin thickening and secondary infections
• 📉 Weight loss or general weakness (if left untreated)

Signs typically begin in localized areas and spread across the body if not treated. 🧪

📋 Types of Mange in Horses

1. 🔥 Sarcoptic Mange (The Most Severe)

This highly irritating form of mange causes **severe itching and intense scratching**. Lesions typically start around the **head, neck, and shoulders**. Horses may rub themselves raw on fences or stall walls. ❌

• 🧠 Hard to detect early without a microscope
• 🩺 Zoonotic – can spread to humans
• 🧪 Diagnosed via skin scraping

2. 🧬 Psoroptic Mange