host posted on May 05, 2011 14:48
Sarcoptes mites are small, circular, white mites with three pair of short stumpy legs on the larvae and four pair on the adult. The female has terminal suckers on the front two legs and terminal bristles on the rear legs. The male has terminal suckers on the front two legs and the fourth pair of legs and bristles on the third pair of legs. The adult mite is not visible to the naked eye.
Mites are difficult to find, 10-15 skin scraping slides in suspected areas may be necessary before positive identification is made. Since infected dogs develop a hypersensitivity reaction towards the mite, only a few mites are necessary to cause severe itching once an animal is sensitized.
Sarcoptes adults mate in molting pockets on the skin surface. The fertilized female deposits her eggs in a burrow in the outer layer of the skin. The eggs hatch and the larvae burrow to the surface of the skin feeding on the surface and resting in a molting pocket. The nymphal stage may also travel on the skin feeding or remain in the molting pocket to mature. The favorite locations of the mites are the ears, elbows, abdomen, and hocks where they cause itchy inflammation and hair loss. The entire life cycle is completed in three weeks. Mites spread rapidly after exposure and untreated may spread to the entire body. Generalized lymph node swelling is frequently present. Due to severe itching, dogs may show behavioral changes or even lose weight due to continuous scratching.
Common symptoms of sarcoptic mange include: abdominal rash, biting and chewing the skin, crusts, self mutilation, swollen lymph nodes, severe constant itching.
Treatment of sarcoptic mange consists of administering drugs or applying chemicals that will kill the mites. There are various oral and topical drugs as well as dips that can be used to treat sarcoptes. Usually several weeks of treatment are required. In some cases antihistamines or cortisones must be given to decrease the itching while all the life cycle stages of the mite are killed. All dogs in contact with the affected animal should be treated and all kennels, crates, combs, brushes and collars disinfected.
Canine scabies is an important zoonosis (disease transmitted from animals to people). Ichy red or white bumps (like chigger bites) may occur in people within 24 hours and up to 21 days after exposure to an animal infected with sarcoptes. Lesiouns usually show up on the arms, neck, or waist area. Lesions in humans usually regress spontaneously in 12 to 14 days if only a few mites were transmitted and if contact with infected dogs is terminated. It is best to consult you physician for treatment options