SCABIES OR SARCOPTIC MANGE IN DOGS
Dr.Ajeet Singh,
Sarcoptic mange, also called scabies, in dogs is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, a highly contagious skin parasite. The mites burrow into the skin and cause severe itching, which can result in the formation of scabs and hair loss. It is a nonseasonal parasite that can be found in dogs of all ages and breeds. These mites bury into the skin of healthy adult dogs and puppies, and feed on material in and on the skin. Sarcoptic mange is also known as scabies and is zoonotic, which means it is a disease transmissible from pets to people.
The presence of the sarcoptic mite causes intense itching. The dog will chew and scratch its skin constantly. This leads to the loss of large amounts of hair, especially on the legs and belly. Eventually, the skin will become thickened and will darken. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs and humans.
Although sarcoptic mites are not able to complete their life cycle on humans, they will cause severe itching until they die. Sarcoptic mange may occur in any dog at any age.
Symptoms of Scabies in Dogs
Severe, constant itching at any time of year is a classic symptom of sarcoptic mange. Areas with less hair, such as the earflaps, elbows, hocks, ventral abdomen, chest, and legs, are affected most commonly. The mites cause hair loss, a reddened rash, and yellowish crusts to form on the skin in affected areas. Typically the ear margins and elbows are affected most severely. The ear margins tend to have thickened, crusty material on the tips and yellow scales. The animal may develop a secondary skin infection and severe scratches from the trauma of constantly scratching. The lymph nodes also may swell as a result of mite related inflammation.
Scabies symptoms will usually start with sudden, intense itching (pruritis). If you notice that your family pet is experiencing episodes of acute, severe itching, you will want to take him to the vet right away. Sarcoptic mange can be passed to other animal and human members of the household. Though canine scabies cannot complete a life cycle on humans, they will cause intense itching for about 5 days until they die.
- Uncontrollable scratching, most likely related to sensitivity to the fecal matter and saliva of the mites
- Red skin or rash
- Inflammation of skin
- Hair loss (alopecia) which may be first noticed on the legs and stomach
- Self-mutilation
- Bleeding
- Small bumps that will evolve into crusty sores
- There may be an unpleasant odor due to the sores
- The sores will mainly be found on the abdomen, legs, ears, chest, and elbows
- Thickening of the skin due to damage
- Secondary bacterial or yeast related sores can develop
- If untreated, the scabies will spread to the entire body
- Badly infected dogs may lose their appetite and begin to lose weight
Types
The sarcoptic mange mite has a life cycle that is spent entirely on the dog and lasts no more than 21 days.
- Adult females will burrow into the skin to make a tunnel, laying a few eggs per day for up to 3 weeks
- Eggs hatch within 5 days
- Larvae go through a molting cycle
- Nymphs mature to adults
- Adults mate on the skin, and the female burrows to lay eggs
Diagnosis
After ruling out food allergies, chiggers, and bacterial infections of the skin (folliculitis), your veterinarian will conduct a physicial inspection of your dog to identify the type of microorganism that may have embedded into its skin; in this case, mites.
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/sarcoptic-mange-scabies-causes-symptoms-treatments/
Treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs
There are a few approaches to treating sarcoptic mange in dogs.
For dogs that have thick crusts or a thick hair coat, treatment begins by clipping the hair from the affected area. Then, an anti-seborrheic shampoo that breaks down and removes crusts, skin oil, and debris is applied. Next, a parasiticidal dip is applied to the entire body, including the face and ears. The dip should not be allowed to get into the eyes. The dip typically is used once a week for at least four to six weeks. The entire environment, including all animals and objects that have come into contact with a dog that has scabies, should be washed thoroughly and disinfected.
Treatments include topicals, medicated baths and dips, injections, oral liquid, pills, or flavored chews. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, some dogs will need a combination of treatments to effectively eliminate scabies.
Treatment Options:
- Ivermectin and Selamectin are the most commonly used in India• 0.25% fipronil spray may be used in very young animals or if other products are contraindicated.
- Dips may be indicated in certain situations. Lime sulfur is the safest dip for young animals or otherwise sick patients. Amitraz is another dip that is effective.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_sarcoptic_mange
