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General InformationSarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused
by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This mange is contagious and produces
intense itching, reddening, thinning of the hair, and crusts (scabs). The mite
is fairly host-specific, so dog scabies mites primarily affect dogs and other
canids (coyotes, foxes, and wolves). However, they can attack other hosts
(e.g., cats, humans) for periods of time.
The mites burrow into the skin, where they deposit eggs that hatch in
3 to 10 days. The larvae burrow up to the skin surface to feed and molt into a
nymph stage. The nymphs travel on the skin surface to feed. They molt into
adults, which then mate and deposit more eggs in the skin. The entire life
cycle is complete in 3 weeks. The favorite habitats of mites are the earflaps,
elbows, abdomen, and hocks. If untreated, the disease will spread throughout
the entire body. |
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Important Points in Treatment
- Other dogs should not be allowed to come into contact with your
pet or its bedding until recovery is complete.
- The disease is contagious in a kennel or hospital! You should
thoroughly clean the environment and use insecticide sprays on kennels,
shipping crates, harnesses, collars, and grooming tools.
- It is important to treat all dogs in contact or on the
premises, because some may be asymptomatic carriers. Some dogs respond
dramatically, and in 7 to 10 days, itching ceases and the lesions dry up.
Others dogs experience itching for 3 to 4 weeks after treatment has
started.
- Treatment should not be stopped too early, because it could
take months to treat relapses. Treatment is not completed until the last egg
has hatched and the last mite is killed. This usually means at least 4 weeks of
treatment.
- Treatments available include topicals in the form of dips,
rinses, and sprays and oral or injectable ivermectin and milbemycin. Specific
treatment for each dog is determined by breed type and circumstances
surrounding the case. Your veterinarian can determine what is best for each
particular situation.
- The dog should be bathed in a tar and sulfur shampoo to remove
the crusts and other debris. If dips or rinses are used, they should be applied
thoroughly and allowed to soak the entire skin surface. Spot treatment is
ineffective. Particular care should be taken around the ears and eyes. Skin in
this area is often severely affected, delicate, and easily irritated.
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Treatment Instructions
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Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
- Your pet does not respond to treatment within 4 weeks.
- Your pet's condition improves but then worsens.
- Your pet develops a loss of appetite, vomiting, or
diarrhea.
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Your next appointment is:
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