Sarcoptic mange is also known as canine scabies. This disease is highly contagious and can be passed between dogs and other animals or even humans. Sarcoptic mange can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms and secondary infections, but it can be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian, according to Canis Major.
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Sarcoptes scabiei
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According to Pet Education, sarcoptic mange is caused by a parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The female mites create small tunnels by burrowing into the dog's skin, where they lay their eggs beneath the surface. The female mite dies shortly after laying her eggs, but the eggs hatch about one week later as six-legged larvae. The larvae mature into eight-legged nymphs and then into adults before they emerge to the surface of the dog's skin, where they mate and continue the life cycle.
The symptoms of sarcoptic mange will occur 3 to 6 weeks after infection. Provet Healthcare Information indicates that the symptoms usually involve intense itching and scratching, crusting or oozing skin, and hair loss on the chest, legs, ears and hocks. The dog may also develop a secondary infection from injuring itself while scratching at the mites.
Transmission
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The Sarcoptes scabiei mite is transferred from one infected dog to another. Provet Healthcare Information indicates that humans, goats, pigs, rabbits and many other animals can be infected by the mite, but the infestation is rarely seen in cats. The website recommends using plastic gloves and protective clothing when handling any animal that is suspected of having sarcoptic mange. Pet Education explains that the symptoms in humans are usually not as severe as those in animals, and it will usually only cause temporary itchiness.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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Pet Education explains that it can be very difficult to correctly diagnose scabies. The standard procedure for diagnosis is to take a skin scraping from the animal and look for the parasite under a microscope, but the mites are not always readily evident. Only about 20 percent of dogs that actually have sarcoptic mange can be identified as having the disease by the skin scraping. Most doctors use the dog's medical history of scabies and previous treatments for the disease to make a diagnosis.
Dogs with scabies can be treated using a dip called Mitaban. The dog will need to be dipped two or three times every other week to kill the mites. This process can be unpleasant for the dog, especially if it has mites on its face or in its ears. Selamectin, a common heartworm preventative, can also be used to treat this type of mange if applied once a month. Finally, liquid Ivermectin (a heartworm preventative) can be used in some breeds of dogs. Collies, Shetland sheepdogs and herding breeds cannot use this treatment method because they are sensitive to Ivermectin, but many dogs have been successfully treated using this product. The dog's bedding will also need to be treated using an insecticide, and any animal that has come in contact with the dog will need to be treated as well.
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