Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease that usually infects dogs caused by the scabies mite. The mites burrow into the skin and lay their eggs, causing the dog's skin to be extremely itchy. Mites typically start in hairless skin so the inner ears, elbows and abdomen are usually the first areas to become infected, though the mites will eventually spread to other areas of the body if the condition goes untreated. Most dogs respond well to treatment, and there are several options available.
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Monthly Medications
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Monthly medications can help prevent a sarcoptic mange infection in your dog, as well as help clear up an existing infection. Revolution is a topical medication applied between the shoulder blades directly on the dog's skin once a month. In addition to controlling scabies mites, Revolution also protects against ear mites, heartworm, fleas and ticks. Most vets recommend an additional application two weeks after the initial application to clear an existing infection. Advantage Multi is similar to Revolution. Advantage Multi offers protection against heartworm, roundworm, whipworm and hookworm in addition to sarcoptic mange mites. The FDA has not approved Advantage Multi as a sarcoptic mange treatment, though other countries have. Interceptor and Sentinel are oral monthly heartworm prevention medications that also help control scabies mites.
Ivermectin Injections
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Ivermectin injections are not FDA approved, but they are usually very effective in treating sarcoptic mange infections. The injections are typically given weekly or biweekly, and the infection generally clears after one to four doses. Some dogs have a genetic mutation that makes ivermectin toxic and possible fatal. Usually Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds carry the mutation, but there are tests to determine if your dog will have a negative reaction to the injections. The flea control product Comfortis can cause negative interactions with ivermectin so dogs on Comfortis should not receive the injections.
Dips
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Dips to treat sarcoptic mange are very time consuming, and can be potentially dangerous to dogs and humans. Dipping was used as the primary treatment for sarcoptic mange before the release of monthly medications and ivermectin, but some vets and pet owners still prefer dipping over other treatment methods. Mites often move to the dog's face and ears, and it is difficult to apply the dip to these sensitive areas. Some types of sarcoptic mange are resistant to dipping as well. Amitraz and lime sulfur dips are the most effective. They should be applied one to three times every week or every two weeks until the infection clears.
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