sarcoptic mange, also called common mange, is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and is the most common type of mange in dogs. It causes intense itching and dramatically affects the quality of life of the dog that suffers from it, and can lead to bacterial infections and serious he alth problems if left untreated. It is a curable condition but it is also very contagious and can even be transmitted to humans.
In this article on our site we will explain everything about sarcoptic mange in dogs, the symptoms it manifests and the treatment to be applied. Keep reading.
Sarcoptes scabiei, sarcoptic mange mite
The parasite that causes sarcoptic mange is the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which lives inside the skin of infested dogs, causing itching (itch). Sarcoptes scabiei females are the main cause of itching, as they dig microscopic tunnels in the dog's skin to lay their eggs.
Biological cycle of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite
This mite in its adult stage is characterized by a flattened body, no more than 3 mm long, and goes through 4 stagesdifferent. Once in the skin of the animal, the fertilized female prepares to dig a tunnel to introduce her eggs into it, being able to expel an average of5 eggs a day every 2 or 3 days. After 3-8 days, the eggs hatch and hatch larvae , which dig new tunnels to reach the surface of the skin, called tunnels or bursae larvae. After 2-3 days, these larvae become nymphs before transforming into adult mites. When they are adults, the mites reproduce and the biological cycle resumes.
The life cycle of Sarcoptes scabiei is approximately one month, and can last up to two months. During this time, they reproduce and the fertilized females dig their tunnels, causing the affected animal to feel a deep itch due to this activity.
Sarcoptic mange in dogs: contagion
How does mange appear in dogs? This disease is highly contagious and any he althy dog that comes in contact with an infested dog will almost certainly catch it. As we said, it is the most common type of scabies in dogs, since contagion also occurs indirectly, through objects that have had contact with the sick dog, such as beds, kennels, grooming equipment, collars, food bowls, and even feces.
Dogs most at risk of infection are those kept in kennels, kennels and those in frequent contact with stray dogs.
Is sarcoptic mange contagious to humans?
Sarcoptic mange can also can be transmitted to humans, although the mite cannot live long in our body, and go from us to the dog again. Symptoms appear 2 to 6 weeks after infection and are characterized by intense itching, redness of the skin, and scabs.
Sarcoptic mange in dogs: symptoms
Symptoms of sarcoptic mange in dogs begin to appear 2-6 weeks after infection. From this time on, the most obvious signs include:
- Itching so intense that the dog cannot stop scratching and biting the affected areas. It can be anywhere on the body, but usually starts on the ears, face, armpits, and belly.
- Irritated skin and/or with wounds and scabs.
- Localized alopecia.
- Blackened skin (hyperpigmentation) and thickening of the skin (hyperkeratosis), usually on the ears.
- Weakness and weakness as the disease progresses due to the dog's inability to rest.
- Bacterial infections on the skin in advanced stages or if sarcoptic mange is not treated.
In general, the skin of a dog with mange is hairless, full of wounds and scabs. If sarcoptic mange is not treated, the dog can die. For this reason, and because of how annoying the disease is, it is necessary to visit the veterinarian if you observe any of the symptoms mentioned in order to start treatment as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in dogs
The diagnosis of sarcoptic mange should only be made by a veterinarian. In most cases, the diagnosis is made by observing the symptoms, however, the specialist may request tests such as:
- Scraping the skin to look at it under a microscope.
- Skin biopsy.
- Collection of other samples to be analyzed, such as feces.
Sarcoptic mange in dogs: treatment
Sarcoptic mange can be cured and generally has a good prognosis. Treatment usually includes an acaricidal shampoo or a combination of shampoo and medication Some common acaricides in the treatment of this and other mange in dogs are ivermectin and amitraz. It is important to take into account that some breeds of herding dogs, such as the collie, the English shepherd and the Australian shepherd, present problems with these medications, so the veterinarian will have to prescribe others for their treatment.
When secondary bacterial infections occur, it is also necessary to administer antibiotics to combat them. The veterinarian is the only one who can prescribe the medications and indicate their frequency and dosage.
Other dogs that live with the affected dog should also be evaluated by the veterinarian and treated, even if they do not present symptoms. In addition, it is important to apply a miticide treatment to the place where the affected dog lives and the objects with which it has contact. This must also be indicated by the veterinarian.
Treatment for mange in dogs with ivermectin
The specialist will indicate the appropriate dose of ivermectin, as well as the duration of the treatment and the format chosen. This medication comes in pill or injection form, can have serious side effects, and cannot be used in all cases. For more information, consult this article: "Ivermectin for dogs".
Shampoo for mange in dogs
The shampoo to combat scabies is also Veterinarian prescription Once prescribed, the specialist will indicate the frequency of use most appropriate to the case clinical. Of course, it is important to bear in mind when bathing a dog with sarcoptic mange that the wounds cause a very intense itching and that if they are rubbed too hard they could open, which would cause pain. For this reason, it is essential to be very careful and dry the dog with a towel, without rubbing, avoiding the use of a dryer.
How long does sarcoptic mange treatment last?
Each case is different and everything will depend on how advanced the disease is. In general, the treatment usually lasts about two weeks, however, it is possible to start a second treatment if there is a relapse or risk of suffering it. For this reason, when asked "how long does it take for a dog with sarcoptic mange to be cured", the answer varies depending on each case, and it is usual for patients to present a complete cure after a month.
Sarcoptic mange in dogs: home remedies
To complement veterinary treatment, it is possible to carry out a series of home remedies against sarcoptic mange. Of course, the chosen remedies must be reviewed and approved by the veterinarian who handles the case. That said, the most effective and recommended ones are:
- White or neutral soap in case you cannot buy an acaricidal soap. Baths with this type of soap are very beneficial to combat the Sarcoptes scabiei mite because it prefers skins with poor hygiene. It is recommended to use it once or twice a week, preparing a bath with warm water and letting the soap act for a few minutes.
- Olive Oil to hydrate damaged skin and promote healing. It is convenient to cover the affected areas with olive oil several times a day, in this way it is also possible to eliminate some of the mites. Sweet almond oil is also good for treating scabies.
- Chamomile infusion, both to clean wounds and to relieve the symptoms of this type of scabies.
How to prevent sarcoptic mange in dogs?
As always, the best treatment is prevention. To prevent sarcoptic mange in dogs it is necessary to avoid contact with infested dogs and objects they may have touched. Likewise, it is important to take the dog to the veterinarian to carry out routine examinations and to be able to identify any anomaly in time.
