Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange)

Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease which is caused by small mite called Sarcoptes scabei.

These mites burrow into the skin and cause intense inflammation and prurutis (itchiness).

Sarcoptic mange is frequently called "scabies".

It can affect humans as well as dogs.

Symptoms Of Sarcoptic Mange:

Symptoms of sarcoptic mange usually are result of the action of the mite burrowing through the skin, coupled with an allergic reaction to the presence of the mites and their eggs on the skin of your dog.

Symptoms include red, scaly, itchy skin which usually starts on the ears, the elbows, and the abdomen.

With time, skin lesions may spread to involve most of the body.

Secondary bacterial infections of the skin are also common with sarcoptic mange, because of the trauma inflicted on the skin by scratching continually.

Spread of sarcoptic mange is usually by direct contact with an infected host.

Diagnosis Of Sarcoptic Mange:

Diagnosis will involve a thorough physical examination by your dog's veterinarian.

Skin scrapings may reveal the mites that cause sarcoptic mange, but in many animals, the mites may be difficult to find.

Biopsies of the skin may be necessary to accurately diagnose this condition.

However, many times a therapeutic trial with medications known to kill the mite will result in resolution of the clinical symptoms within 2-4 weeks.

Treatment Of Sarcoptic Mange:

Treatment (or therapeutic trial) may involve medicated anti-itch shampoos and dips as well as systemic medications which can kill the disease-causing mite.

Often, anti-itch shampoos are followed by insecticidal dips, such as Paramite, Mitaban or Lime Sulfur Dips. These dips must be used carefully and must be diluted accurately, following the directions on the label, to avoid toxicity (poisoning).

Systemic medications may include ivermectin, Revolution, or Interceptor.

If secondary bacterial infections are present, these will need to be treated with appropriate antibiotics as well.

Your veterinarian will help you decide which medications are appropriate for your dog.

Because the disease is easily spread from one dog to another, it is advisable to treat all dogs in the household if sarcoptic mange is diagnosed or suspected in one of your dogs.

It is also advisable to wash or, better yet, replace any bedding, collars or harnesses used by these animals.

Sarcoptic mange in humans is quite uncomfortable. Though the disease is quite often self-limiting in people and goes away on its own, it is probably advisable for you to contact your physician should you notice skin lesions on yourself or your family members.