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.
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
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.
Dogs susceptible to Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange
Dogs most susceptible to infection are usually young and poorly nourished.
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.
About This Advice
We hope that this information about Canine Sarcoptic Mange has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are in doubt about your Dog's Health you should consult your vet or other suitably qualified expert.
You can find details and contact information for any UK vet here
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