If your dog has started to suffer from intense itching and crusting skin, you may be dealing with sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange in dogs is a highly contagious skin disease that can cause serious discomfort and health problems. From intense itching to hair loss and even infections, this condition can take a toll on your pet's quality of life if left untreated. If you want to ensure that your dog receives the best possible care, it's crucial to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for sarcoptic mange. By learning more about this condition, you'll be better equipped to identify it in your dog and seek out effective treatment right away. In this article, we'll provide you with a complete breakdown of sarcoptic mange in dogs, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is sarcoptic mange in dogs?
Sarcoptic mange, or sarcoptic scabies, is a skin disease caused by tiny mites (Sarcoptes scabiei / canis) that burrow into the upper layer of your dog's skin. The condition is highly contagious and can be easily spread between animals and humans, so it's important to take proper precautions when interacting with an infected dog.
The scabies mites that cause sarcoptic mange in dogs mate on the skin surface and lay eggs in burrows under the skin. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on fluids from the skin and rest in pockets within the skin. The scabies mites like to be on certain parts of the body, such as the ears, elbows, undersides, and hocks. The whole process takes about 3 weeks, with the mites reaching adulthood in about 15 days.
Sarcoptic mange can affect dogs of any age, but it is most common in puppies and young adult dogs. Older dogs that are weak or have a weakened immune system are also more likely to get sarcoptic mange.
What are the symptoms of sarcoptic mange in dogs?
The symptoms of sarcoptic mange in dogs can vary but commonly include:
- Intense itching and scratching
- Hair loss and crusting, especially around the ears, elbows, and hocks
- Red, irritated, and inflamed skin
- Sores and scabs on the skin
- Secondary skin infections
- Restlessness and discomfort
- Weight loss and lethargy (in severe cases)
Once a dog has developed a hypersensitive reaction to the mites, only a few of them are needed in order for it to experience severe itching. This is due to their sensitization towards the cuticles and feces of the mites.
How is sarcoptic mange diagnosed in dogs?
Sarcoptic mange in dogs is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests. During the physical exam, your veterinarian will look for common signs of mange, such as intense itchiness, hair loss, excoriations, and crusting lesions on the skin.
To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinarian may take a series of skin scrapings from the affected area and examine it under a microscope. This allows them to identify the presence of the sarcoptic mange mites or their eggs. In some cases, a blood test may be performed to look for specific antibodies to the mites but it may take up to four weeks for measurable antibody response to be detected after exposure.
Additionally, miticidal therapy may be implemented and observe the response. If the appropriate miticidal therapy leads to the resolution of all clinical signs in dogs suspected to have sarcoptic mange, a presumptive diagnosis can be made.
It's important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has sarcoptic mange, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the disease from spreading and causing further complications.
What is the treatment for sarcoptic mange in dogs?
The most common medications used to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs are prescription drugs that contain a miticide, such as selamectin, ivermectin, or moxidectin. These medications are typically given orally and work by killing the mites and preventing further infestation.
Interestingly, some medications that are commonly used to prevent and treat fleas and ticks in dogs have also been found to have off-label use in treating sarcoptic mange. For example, medications containing fluralaner, such as Bravecto®, have been shown to be effective against sarcoptic mange in dogs. Similarly, medications containing sarolaner, such as Simparica®, can also be used with high success.
It's important to note that while these medications may have off-label use in treating sarcoptic mange, it's essential to follow the guidance of a veterinarian when administering any medication to your dog. In some cases, off-label use of medications may not be appropriate or effective, and improper use could lead to adverse effects or worsen the dog's condition.
To treat secondary pyoderma that can occur as a result of sarcoptic mange in dogs, topical and/or systemic antimicrobials may be prescribed by your veterinarian. If pruritus, or itching, intensifies as the mites die off during treatment, anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone or other anti-itch therapies like Apoquel® may be used to provide relief for the dog.
What is the prognosis for dogs with sarcoptic mange?
The success of the treatment for sarcoptic mange in dogs can be assessed by the level of itching and the healing of skin lesions. If the clinical signs do not show any improvement, then a different treatment approach may need to be considered. However, for most healthy dogs with strong immune systems, the prognosis for sarcoptic mange is very positive, with successful treatment usually achieved within 2-4 weeks.
FAQs about sarcoptic mange in dogs
Can sarcoptic mange affect people?
Yes, people can be transient hosts. Sarcoptes can be transferred to and from people as it is a zoonotic parasite.
Why does sarcoptic mange make dogs so itchy?
The sarcoptic mite burrows beneath the skin, causing inflammation and intense itching. There is also a hypersensitivity component towards the mite that results in itchiness.
Where do dogs get sarcoptic mange from?
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and transmitted through direct contact with affected animals. It is unusual for dogs to become infected through exposure to a contaminated environment.
In conclusion, sarcoptic mange in dogs is a treatable condition with a positive prognosis if caught early and treated appropriately. Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange involves a physical examination and diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings or antibody detection. Treatment typically consists of miticidal medications, which may include selamectin, ivermectin, moxidectin, fluralaner (Bravecto®), afoxolaner (NexGard®) or sarolaner (Simparica®). Additionally, antimicrobials are often prescribed to treat secondary pyoderma that can occur due to sarcoptic mange infestation while anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone or Apoquel® can be used for relief from itching symptoms. With appropriate management and treatment by a veterinarian, most healthy dogs should recover within 2-4 weeks time. If you have any questions or concerns about sarcoptic mange in your dog, it is important to speak with your veterinarian.