The first time I noticed a horse with a big patch of hair missing, I was baffled.  Fortunately, my farrier happened by that day and told me not only what mange was, but also how to quickly and inexpensively treat it.  Mange afflicts all types of animals, so knowing how to fix it yourself without a lot of harmful chemicals or expensive treatments is essential.

First, make sure it is mange.  Mange symptoms are hair loss in the affected area, a crust of scabs, intense scratching and a rash.  Mange can also be very contagious, so be alert for signs of transmission.  Some forms can cross species, so immediate treatment is the best form of prevention.

To mix up your own homemade mange treatment, get a pound of lard (or smaller if you can find it) from the grocery store and a small container of betadine from the feed store or vet supply store.  The lard acts as a holding agent to keep the betadine in place, and the betadine is a disinfectant that will kill the mange.  The lard is also very soothing to itchy skin and will provide immediate relief.

Mix the two until the lard turns a smooth brown color, and then apply it liberally to any areas that appear to be affected.  You can do this two to three times per day.  It is very messy, so consider other options for indoor pets, or find a way to cover the treated areas so they do not rub off inside your home.

This treatment worked very well on my horses and typically cleared up mange infestations within a few days.  It does not keep, so you will need to mix up a new batch for each outbreak, but it will last in the refrigerator for a week or so to deal with the current outbreak.

Lard and betadine make an inexpensive, effective treatment to kill mange and provide soothing relief from the itching.