Canine Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

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Canine Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)

What is sarcoptic mange?

Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Two different mange mites cause skin disease in dogs. One lives just under the surface of the skin, while the other resides deep in the hair follicles. Although both mites share some similar characteristics, there are also important differences. It is important not to confuse the two types of mange because they have different causes, treatments, and prognoses.

What causes sarcoptic mange?

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite that burrows just beneath the surface of the skin. It may also crawl around on the skin surface. This mite feeds on material in and on the skin.

What does it do to the dog?

The presence of the sarcoptic mite causes severe itching. The dog will chew and scratch his 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 due to pigmentation.

Is it contagious?

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs; it is also contagious to humans. The dog's bedding should be washed in hot water with bleach or, preferably, discarded. Although the mites are not able to complete their life cycle on humans, they will cause quite a bit of itching before they finally die.

How is sarcoptic mange diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by a skin scraping that is examined under the microscope, though only a small number of mites may be present. Because of this, a dog may be strongly suspected of having sarcoptic mange, but all skin scrapings are negative. A presumptive diagnosis can be made because the signs are quite typical. Age is not a significant factor in sarcoptic mange. Although most common in puppies, it affects dogs of all ages.

How is it treated?

There are several insecticides that are effective against this mite. Various dips have been used successfully. Dipping should occur weekly for at least four weeks, at which time your dog should be re-examined to determine if further treatment is needed. An oral product, Ivermectin, is also effective. This drug is approved for use in preventing heartworms, but it is not officially approved for use in treating sarcoptic mange. Its ease of administration compared to dipping makes it the drug of choice in certain situations, and it may actually be more effective than dipping in some dogs.

INSTRUCTIONS THAT MAY BE PROVIDED BY YOUR VET FOR YOUR DOG:

____ 1) Bathe your dog in any good pet shampoo then slowly pour the diluted dip over your dog. This should be done on a weekly basis for 4 weeks. Carefully read the dilution instructions on the bottle. Do not rinse off the dip; air drying is preferred. A towel or hair dryer may be used, especially if the temperature is cool.

____ 2) Give your dog Ivermectin orally __________________.

____ 3) Your dog's bedding should be washed in hot water with bleach or discarded.

____ 4) If relief from itching does not begin within 5 days after treatment begins, please call your veterinarian.

____ 5) Your dog should be re-examined in ____ days.

____ 6) Contact your physician if any family members develop an itching skin rash. Tell your physician that you have been exposed to sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies). In people, the mite cannot complete its life cycle so it will die in a few days. However, it may cause itching during that time. Reinfestation from the dog or the premises can result in continued itching.

Additional Information:

Canine Demodectic (Demodex) Mange
Demodectic Mange and Sarcoptic Mange

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/scabies.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!