Signs of Scabies in Animals

Scabies, also frequently referred to as sarcoptic mange, is caused by small parasites/mites that burrow under the fur of animals and feed on their skin. All mammals are susceptible to the disease, including dogs, cats, hamsters, cattle, horses, pigs, birds and rabbits. The mites cause myriad unpleasant symptoms in their host animal, including itching, open sores and expansive hair loss.

  1. Scratching

    • One of the first signs of scabies is excessive scratching. Although all animals have an itch from time to time, the constant irritation of the scabies parasite causes an intense and constant itch. Animals may become so consumed by the itch that they scratch so severely they cause open wounds in their skin, which can lead to infection. Because the mites are interested in the skin of the animal, they mostly burrow in areas that contain the least amount of hair, resulting in frequent scratching of the elbows, ears, armpits, hocks, chest, and abdomen, according to the Pet Education website.

    Hair Loss

    • Excessive hair loss, also referred to as alopecia, is another dominant sign of a scabies infection in animals. The hair continues to fall out as the parasites continue to attack the host, and the intense itching can lead an animal to engage in self-mutilation, often plucking or pulling out its own hair in an attempt to find some relief. In cattle--although the parasites usually start their attack in hairless areas, including the rear surface of the udder, scrotum and inner thighs--hairless spots will begin to become noticeable on all areas of the animal as the infestation spreads, according to the Library 4 Farming website.

    Skin Damage

    • According to the Priory Lodge Education website, which presents findings from the Primate Research Center National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi, India, scabies can cause extensive epidermal damage, including thickening and wrinkling of the skin and scab and crust formation in most animals. Lesions may begin to form if the animal is not rid of the parasites, and an overall crusty, flaky, scaly appearance will be evident.