Sarna in Dogs

Sarna is the Spanish word for mange, which is a skin disease that is caused by mites; these mites are related to spiders. Mange can be localized in small areas on the body or can be on the entire body of the dog. There are three types of mange: domedectic mange, cheyletiella mange and sarcoptic mange. The latter is also known as scabies. The three different kinds of mange are caused by three different types of mites.

  1. Domedectic Mange

    • Domedex canis is the name of the mite that causes domedectic mange. It is too small to be seen without a microscope. These mites are commonly found in the pores of puppies without causing any symptoms. It is not known what causes this type of mange to suddenly show symptoms. If there are small areas of thinning hair around the mouth, eyes and front legs, the domedectic mange may correct itself within three months. However, if it spreads to the rest of the dog's body, it will need veterinary treatment. It will cause the skin to be sore, crusty and oozing.

    Cheyletiella Mange

    • Cheyletiella mange is caused by a reddish mite that is large enough to be seen under a magnifying glass. This type of mange is also referred to as walking dandruff because of the dandruff dusting that occurs over the dog's fur. It causes only mild itching in the dog. Cheyletiella mange is very contagious, but it is short-lived. The mite dies quickly after leaving the host.

    Sarcoptic Mange

    • Sarcoptic mange is also known as scabies. It is caused by a microscopic mite. The female burrows into the skin to lay eggs. After the eggs hatch, the mites grow into adults, and the females can begin laying eggs in about three weeks. Humans can also catch scabies. However, the mites cannot lay eggs in human skin; therefore, the scabies infection doesn't last very long. Scabies causes intense itching in dogs when the females begin to burrow. It also causes hair loss and oozing sores, and it can lead to a secondary infection.

    Treatment

    • Cheyletiella and localized demodectic mange may not need any treatment as they may go away on their own. Treatment for mange will often include a medicated bath. The more severe cases of demodectic mange can be treated with a topical insecticide that will kill the mites. Sarcoptic mange is treated with two doses of Invermectin two weeks apart to take care of the eggs that hatch after the first dose. Steroids may also be prescribed to help with the itching on a temporary basis. Antibiotics may be needed to get rid of a secondary infection.

    Prevention

    • The best way to reduce the risk of mange is to keep the dog clean, healthy and happy. Mites can't survive long enough in clean conditions to infect a dog. Making sure the dog is seen by a veterinarian at least once a year will also help in catching mange, or any other skin disease, early so that it will be much easier to treat.