Ear scabies are caused when a dog is infected with parasites or mites (Sarcoptes scabeie var canis). Ear scabies are a characteristic of scarcoptic manage-a highly infectious disease found in canines, felines and other mammals, including humans. Dogs with mange itch constantly. A dog's ears are among the top areas on his body most affected by mites. Diagnosing mange is difficult, but with proper treatment the prognosis is excellent.
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About
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When a dog becomes infected with these ear mites, he experiences relentless itching and skin irritation. Mites multiply quickly by burrowing below the dog's skin and laying eggs. As the larvae hatch they dig even deeper into the dog's skin causing itching and irritation to worsen.
Signs
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Mites are frequently found on parts of the dog's body with the least amount of hair like his ears and ear canals. When mites infect the dog, he develops a rash that forms a yellow crust. The dog's ear margins or folds are usually where the crusts are visible.
Symptoms
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Ear mites cause the dog to continuously itch. Unlike seasonal allergies that affect the dog for a few weeks or months of the year, itching from ear mites occurs anytime throughout the year. There is no temporary lapse in symptoms once the dog is infected. The constant itching and scratching eventually causes lesions to form. His lymph nodes may also become inflamed from the infection.
Diagnosis
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Ear scabies caused by scarcoptic mange isn't easily diagnosed. Its symptoms are sometimes mischaracterized as allergies. Skin tests generally don't' show mites, especially when the dog has been infected for a while or recently bathed.
The pinnal-pedal reflex test is usually the best indicator of ear scabies. The veterinarian rubs the ear margin with his fingers and monitors the dog for a reaction. When the dog responds by trying to scratch his ear with his hind leg; the dog is presumed to have ear scabies.
Treatment
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Canine scabies is treated by first removing all of the hair from the infected areas to reveal lesions or sores. An anti-seborrheic shampoo is applied to the dog's coat to remove crusts, oil and debris. A parasiticidal dip is rubbed on the dog's body, ears and face with care not to get it in his eyes. The dip needs to be used once a week for four to six weeks to fully eliminate mites and larvae.
Mar Vista Animal Medical Hospital reports veterinarians may prescribe Ivermectin---an anti-parasite medication---that can be given to dogs orally or with an injection. It's an effective and commonly used treatment for ridding the dog of ear scabies.
Another anti-parasite medication available is Selamectin manufactured by Pfizer under the name Revolution. According to the informational website Pets.ca, the medication is typically applied once topically to canines with ear scabies, and twice usually after 30 days if symptoms persist.
Everything in the home or car the dog comes in contact with must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent mites from spreading to other pets and household members.The good news is treatment is highly effective at eliminating ear scabies when used as directed by a veterinarian.
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