| Sarcoptic Mange |
Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a species specific mite, the sarcoptic scabiei canis.
This mite can live for a very short time on humans, though it is only able to tunnel into our skin and
die right away, causing irritation and red bumps on the skin. This can cause intense itching for us if
many of the mites invade our skin. Humans have a similar mite that flourishes on humans, scabies.
The canine mite can live about twenty-one days off of the dog. Flea treatment products will kill the
adult mite, and all surfaces, brushes, and fabrics should be treated as well as the pet's skin.
Symptoms are: red moist crusty skin, intense itching, usually begins around the ears, eyes and
face, it will spread to the entire body if left untreated. It may also appear on the elbow, belly and
trunk.
Diagnosis may be difficult, since the mites are sometimes difficult to find in skin scrapings, so
diagnosis is often done by visual findings and symptoms.
Treatment is simple with lotions and dips that easily kill the mites. Treatment must be followed
exactly for the dog and the dog's environment and your home. Your dog groomer and your
veterinarian may provide treatment as a service for you. There are a number of oral treatments
available, too from your vet that make treatment much more simple.
The life cycle of the sarcoptic mange mite:
- adult infects the dog, burrowing in the skin creating tiny tunnels,
- lays eggs in the tunnels, the larvae and nymphs grow up in the tunnels,
- exit the tunnels, and start more tunnels and more mites are born.
This mite can live for a very short time on humans, though it is only able to tunnel into our skin and
die right away, causing irritation and red bumps on the skin. This can cause intense itching for us if
many of the mites invade our skin. Humans have a similar mite that flourishes on humans, scabies.
The canine mite can live about twenty-one days off of the dog. Flea treatment products will kill the
adult mite, and all surfaces, brushes, and fabrics should be treated as well as the pet's skin.
Symptoms are: red moist crusty skin, intense itching, usually begins around the ears, eyes and
face, it will spread to the entire body if left untreated. It may also appear on the elbow, belly and
trunk.
Diagnosis may be difficult, since the mites are sometimes difficult to find in skin scrapings, so
diagnosis is often done by visual findings and symptoms.
Treatment is simple with lotions and dips that easily kill the mites. Treatment must be followed
exactly for the dog and the dog's environment and your home. Your dog groomer and your
veterinarian may provide treatment as a service for you. There are a number of oral treatments
available, too from your vet that make treatment much more simple.
The life cycle of the sarcoptic mange mite:
- adult infects the dog, burrowing in the skin creating tiny tunnels,
- lays eggs in the tunnels, the larvae and nymphs grow up in the tunnels,
- exit the tunnels, and start more tunnels and more mites are born.
