Sarcoptic Mange
Mange is a general term used to describe the dermatitis caused by various species of mites. Scabies, or sarcoptic mange, is the allergic condition resulting from the burrowing of Sarcoptes scabiei mites into the skin of animals and man.
Males live on the surface of the skin where they move seeking mates. Mature females burrow under the skin where they live for about 2 months creating tunnels. After 1 month of tunnelling, animals develop and allergic reaction to mites, their eggs and feces which results in intense itching. Transmission is only by contact.2
Signs
Canine scabies is a severely debilitating highly contagious condition, which spreads through close contact between infested dogs or by contaminated germs or parasites. The mites suck the tissue fluid of the host and eventually feed on the horny cells causing marked irritation of the skin and itching, which provokes scratching or biting of the skin.
Red papules and vesicles appear on the skin that are followed by appearance of crusts formed of dry lymph. The the skin becomes thickened and wrinkled. The hair that are deprived of blood supply fall out creating bald patches. Secondary bacterial infection makes the condition worse and when large areas of skin are affected progressive emaciation and eventually death occur.
Treatment
Selamectin spot-on (Stronghold®) and ivermectin are currently licensed to treat sarcoptic mange and both drugs are highly efficacious.1
References
- F. Albanese, F. Leone, G. Ghibaudo. FC-44 The therapeutic effect of selamectin and ivermectin regimens in canine sarcoptic mange.
- Albert O. Bush, Jacqueline C. Fernández, Gerald W. Esch, J. Richard Seed. Parasitism: The Diversity and Ecology of Animal Parasites
Comments
 ADD POST TO THIS PAGE
|