Transmission or Cause: Canine scabies is highly contagious. Transmission occurs through direct contact with a carrier animal, or when a mite falls off the skin of a carrier and survives in the environment long enough for it to infest a new host animal. At 50 - 59 F, mites can survive between four to 21 days in the environment without a host. At room temperature (68 - 77 F), mites can survive for two to six days.
Affected Animals: Dogs, coyotes, foxes, (humans, cats and other mammals can be transiently infected).
Overview: Sarcoptic mange is one of the most uncomfortable skin diseases that a dog
can contract. Highly contagious, sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabeie var. canis and is transmissible to humans. These mites burrow into a host animal’s skin, causing scaling, yellowish crust, hair matting and loss, and severe itching.
Symptoms: Severe, constant itching at any time of year is a classic symptom of sarcoptic mange. Areas with less hair, such as the earflaps, elbows, hocks, ventral abdomen, chest, and legs, are affected most commonly. The mites cause hair loss, a reddened rash, and yellowish crusts to form on the skin in affected areas. Typically the ear margins and elbows are affected most severely. The ear margins tend to have thickened, crusty material on the tips and yellow scales. The animal may develop a secondary skin infection and severe scratches from the trauma of constantly scratching. The lymph nodes also may swell as a result of mite related inflammation.
Description: Canine scabies is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var. Canis. Although extremely small, these mites can cause severe itching and skin irritation that will decrease a dog’s quality of life significantly. The female mites dig into the superficial layers of the skin to lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae migrate nearby and then dig deeper into the skin to mature into adults. This process causes severe inflammation, irritation, itching, and rashes. With a 21-day life cycle, the mites can replicate quickly,
causing a rapid increase in numbers and more skin irritation over larger areas.
Diagnosis: A definitive diagnosis of sarcoptic mange is often difficult. Several skin scrapes typically are taken and then examined under a microscope. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to detect mites, especially if the animal has had mites for a long time or has had several recent baths or dips.
Prognosis: With proper treatment and prevention, the prognosis for a cure is excellent.
Prevention: The best way to prevent transmission is to avoid any contact with animals or the environment of any animal that may be carrying scabies. All boarding facilities, grooming equipment, and bedding materials should be washed thoroughly and disinfected on a regular basis.
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