Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

Sarcoptic mange is a condition that affects the skin of dogs. Sarcoptic mange can be described as a rash that is extremely itchy and contagious. It is often referred to as scabies. Scabies can be transmitted from dog to owner.

Signs & Symptoms of Scabies

Intense itching
Redness of skin
Hair loss most commonly on legs, belly, and ears
Areas of thickened, flaky skin

The presence of the sarcoptic mite causes extreme itching; your dog will chew and scratch its skin constantly. Eventually, the skin will become thickened and can cause a secondary bacterial skin infection.

Causes of Scabies

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a tiny microscopic mite that feeds on material in and on the skin surface. This mite burrows into the skin where it lays its eggs and when they hatch, your dog will have an outbreak of mange. Scabies is highly contagious and can be transmitted from one infected dog to another. It is seen mostly in shelters or puppy mills where there are large numbers of dogs living together. The mite that infects dogs, Sarcoptes scabiei, is structurally the same as the mite that infects humans.

Diagnosis of Scabies

Diagnosis of scabies begins with a complete history and a physical exam.

Skin scraping - If your veterinarian suspects any type of mange he/she will most likely perform a skin scrape. This test involves scraping the skin of a lesion and making the lesion bleed slightly. This will be virtually painless for your dog. The substance scraped will then be put on a slide and examined under a microscope as these mites cannot be seen by the naked eye. A positive scraping test result indicates the presence of mites or mite eggs.

It is common to not see mites when performing a skin scraping. This is due to the fact that the mites burrow deep into the skin and that it takes only a few mites to cause significant itching. A presumptive diagnosis is usually made on clinical signs and treatment is started.

Treatment for Scabies

Treatments can vary from medicated baths and dips, injections, and oral medications. Many dogs will require a combination of treatments to resolve a scabies infection. Your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment for your dog’s condition.

Prevention of Scabies

If any member of the family develops itching or a skin rash, contact your family doctor immediately. Tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to sarcoptic mange, or scabies.
In people, the mite cannot complete its lifecycle so it will die in a few days. However, it may cause intense itching during that time and medical treatment is often recommended.