From Dusk
'til Dawn

Mange

In the UK, sarcoptic mange, (sarcoptes scabeii), is the single most common infection in foxes. Mange is a mite with numerous sub-species that infect different animals. That which causes canine or dog mange (often inaccurately referred to as fox mange) differs from that which produces similar infections in cats and horses or scabies in humans.

Mange mites need a host on which to feed and breed, but they may survive in the environment for a considerable period and, being microscopic, are impossible to locate.

Some folk, concerned about mange affecting their dogs, suppose the answer is to remove infected foxes from the area. This is simplistic and misses the point, as it fails to address the original source of infection.

Rather than removing an infected fox - treat it! Otherwise, another fox may move into the vacant territory and contract mange from the same point the original fox was infected. Result - no result!

Mange treatment given to captive foxes is usually successful, involving either a single dose of Stronghold (5 -10k) or two injections of Ivomec or Panomec (1.25ml) given over a two week period. Both treatments are best applied in conjunction with a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Baytril or Synulox to combat skin infection.

In most cases, captive foxes will have been cage trapped, but, to avoid the stress of capture, wildlife rescue groups will prefer not to trap a fox suffering with minor mange if it can be treated in its own environment.

Providing you can obtain veterinary support, Ivomec, Panomec and Stronghold may be applied in food. However, these treatments may be dangerous to pets and other species (and to suckling fox cubs) and a veterinary surgeon will require your assurance of a predictable feeding pattern.

If neither trapping nor treating on site with veterinary medication is appropriate, where does that leave you? More importantly where does it leave the foxes? If a number of foxes need treatment but can't be targeted individually, treatment in the wild is, at best, a shot in the dark. Rather than risk an animal ingesting a high level of potentially dangerous veterinary products, a safer option should be considered.

Spectacular recoveries have been achieved by use of a homoeopathic remedy consisting of arsenicum 30c and sulphur 30c. The Fox Project and the National Fox Welfare Society (01933 411996) have found this treatment effective on foxes suffering up to 70% mange. While positive results are less convincing on foxes suffering more than 40% visible mange, it nevertheless adds another string to our bow.

Another homoeopathic treatment involves psorinum, and Wildlife Aid (01372 377332) and Willow Wildlife (07956 472284) both recommend this treatment as effective.

"But are you sure they work?" we hear sceptics ask. Well, if you consider complimentary treatments akin to voodoo - a placebo effect that only works because you believe in it - just bear in mind animals don't have an opinion!

Homoeopathic medications are available from:
Helios
Camden Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN1 2QR

Call their order answerphone (01892 536393), leaving your name and address and they will mail the requested product to you for around £6.50.

Application of arsenicum and sulphur involves three to five drops (or tablets) daily for each affected fox. It is best given on small items of food which make it difficult for the animal to remove, bury and thereby waste. Effectiveness is reduced if applied to meat or fish products and we recommend a small open honey, golden syrup or jam sandwich - very acceptable to most foxes!

Treatment should continue for three weeks. However, if the animal deteriorates or fails to show signs of recovery, it may be appropriate to contact your local wildlife rescue centre to trap and treat it in-house or to seek support from your vet.

For more information about mange or to obtain details of other wildlife rescue groups in your area call 01892 824111.