Dog Health
Issues - Description of Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange
The word Mange comes from the Middle French word mangene meaning
itching. The most
severe variety of mange is canine Scabies. Sarcoptic Mange is caused by the
mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which also causes human scabies. It
appears in the form of a persistent, contagious skin disease
characterized by frantic itching and caused by the mites burrowing
in the skin especially of the head and face. Serum, the clear
component of the blood, seeps out of the tunnels to the surface of
the skin and causes thick scabs to form. Sarcoptic mange is
contagious to both canines and people.
Dog Health
Problems - Spread of Sarcoptic
Mange also known as Scabies
The Spread of Sarcoptic Mange, also known as Scabies, can be
carried from one animal to another and from animals to people. The
legs are provided with claw-like hooks or suctorial cups to enable
them to attach themselves to the host. The mite parasite feeds on
the host but can live for up to 21 days without feeding. Mites can
therefore be found anywhere in the environment and special
attention must be paid to ensuring brushes, combs, collars,
bedding, carpeting and all upholstered surfaces are sprayed with
an insecticide.
The Life
Cycle of the Sarcoptes
scabiei mite
The life cycle of the Sarcoptes scabei mite is as follows:
The adults move on the skin surface and mate in small
pockets near the surface of the skin. The adults chew and feeds on live
cells and tissue fluid. The male soon dies off after mating.
The female then burrows into the skin depositing eggs
in the tunnel behind her. She then dies.
Eggs - Are white or cream and are laid on the host
where they they hatch
into larvae within 3 to 10 days
Larvae - the larvae moves about on the skin surface
and molts into the nymphal stage they also feed on live cells and tissue
fluid
Adult - becomes an adult within 2 weeks of hatching
Adults live up to 4 weeks on the skin of the host
Dog Health
Problems - Symptoms of Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange
Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a parasitic mite and symptoms are as follows:
Frantic Itching
Loss of Hair - first stages usually affect
patches around the ears, elbows, legs, and face
Loss of Hair - later stages affect patches
around the whole body
Crusting of the Skin - Scab Formation
Listlessness
The hair loss is characterized by
patches of approximately one inch in diameter. Dogs with scabies may often
dig and bite at themselves with great ferocity.
Dog Health
Questions - Dogs susceptible to Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange
Dogs most susceptible to infection are usually young and poorly
nourished.
Dog Health
Information - Treatment of Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange
The treatment usually consists of
weekly injections of Ivermectin for up to four weeks - an
insecticide and is often accompanied by dog shampoo.
Dog Health
Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice
has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are
in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health
Specialist.
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference
manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It
is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a
substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please
remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health
please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
