Sarcoptic Mange

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Sarcoptic mange is a condition that affects the skin of dogs.  Sarcoptic mange can be described as a rash that is extremely itchy and contagious. It is often referred to as scabies.  Scabies can be transmitted from pet to owner.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a tiny microscopic mite that feeds on material in and on the skin surface.  This mite burrows into the skin where it lays its and when they hatch, your  pet will have an outbreak of mange.  Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious, and can be transmitted from one infected dog to another, and is seen mostly in shelters or puppy mills where there are large numbers of dogs living together. The mite that infects dogs, Sarcoptes scabiei is structurally the same as the mite that infects humans.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Intense itching
• Redness of skin
• Hair loss most commonly on legs, belly and ears.
• Areas of thickened, flaky skin

The presence of the Sarcoptic mite causes extreme itching; your dog will chew and scratch its skin constantly.  Eventually, the skin will become thickened and can cause a secondary bacterial skin infection.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam

• Skin scraping- If your veterinarian suspects any type of mange he/she will most likely perform a skin scrape. This test involves scraping the skin of a lesion and making the lesion bleed slightly. This will be virtually painless for your dog; the substance scraped will then be put on a slide and examined under a microscope as these mites cannot be seen by the naked eye.  A positive scraping test result indicates the presence of mites or mite eggs. 

It is common to not see mites when performing a skin scraping. This is due to the fact that the mites burrow deep into the skin and that it takes only a few mites to cause significant itching. A presumptive diagnosis is made on clinical signs and treatment is started.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Treatments can vary from medicated baths and dips, injections, and oral medications. Many pets will require a combination of treatments to resolve this infection.  Your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment for your pet’s condition. 

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

• If any member of the family develops itching or a skin rash, contact your family doctor immediately. Tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to Sarcoptic mange or scabies.
• In people, the mite cannot complete its life cycle so it will die in a few days. However, it may cause intense itching during that time and medical treatment is often recommended.