Dog Scabies
" Dog Scabies is other name for Sarcoptic Scabies or canine scabies, caused by specie of mite Sarcoptes Scabiei. It is a contagious disease of dogs characterized by papular eruptions (bumps on the skin) that develop to thick crust from scratching and irritation. Lesions appear on the abdomen, chest, ears, elbows and legs. Chronic cases can develop in to a generalized systemic illness with symptoms such as emaciation (thin looking when the body loses fat under the skin), thickened & hardened skin, fever and other complications. Treatment primarily includes lime–sulfur dips. Other options are the use of prescription macrocylic lactones such as selamectin, Ivermectin and moxidectin. "
Dog scabies is caused by a severe infestation of “Sarcoptes scabiei var canis” mites. It is contagious between dogs and is found worldwide. The mites causing this disease are host specific, i.e. only dogs are affected, although mild signs have been reported in humans as well.
The Life Cycle of this mite is
17 – 21 Days. Transmission occurs when there is direct contact of a
diseased dog to healthy dog, particularly when there is a large
population of dogs living together, such as in a kennel.
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Scabies
Irritation and itching (pruritus) is major sign of Dog Scabies; sometimes the severity of the disease is diagnosed based on the level of irritation observed by your veterinarian, particularly if no laboratory test procedures are available.
Lesions initially appear to be papular eruption
(bumps on skin). Dogs respond to the itch by scratching,
which results in self injury, a thick crust on the skin and hardened
skin. These lesions may present at the belly region, chest, elbows,
legs, neck, ears & head. Dogs may experience extreme stress,
depression and a decline in the overall condition and appearance of
your dog due to the extreme itching that accompanies this condition.
Chronic and untreated cases of Dog Scabies may
develop into a generalized form. Seborrhea (Red, itchy & Scaly
skin condition) and hyper pigmentation of skin (color change in spots)
is frequent. The skin gets hardened and thickened, scales and folds
develop. Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), emaciation (looking
thin and gaunt) and a decline in your dog's overall condition due to
severe complications could result in death.
Diagnosis of Dog Scabies
Dog Scabies can be diagnosed by clinical history,
signs and symptoms. The sudden onset of irritation, lesions, crusts and
hardened skin are usually help the diagnosis. Taking a skin scraping as
a sample for examination may be helpful, but it’s a hard
disease to diagnose via skin scrapping, such as in the case of what is
known as “Incognito Scabies” – a type of Dog Scabies found in groomed
dogs. Other options for diagnosis are and ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno
Suppressant Assay) test which tests for specific antibodies that are
associated with Sarcoptic scabiei. A fecal flotation technique may
reveal mites and eggs.
Treatment of Canine Scabies
If Sarcoptic scabies is diagnosed on basis of
clinical signs and history, a trial therapy is recommended initially.
To be on the safe side, it is a way of checking a dog to see if there
is any sensitivity to a specific dog anti parasitic drug.
A detailed treatment plan may be followed as
topical or systemic.
After bathing a diseased dog with a quality
anti-acaricidal shampoo (acaricides or miticides are pesticides that
kills mites) ,topical treatment may include, clipping hairs, removal of
dirt and debris from lesions and the application of quality
antiseptics. Several dips of lime–sulfur at intervals of 5
days are highly recommended. Lime – sulfur dips are considered to be
the safest and effective treatment option in puppies. A
quality lime-sulfur dip can be purchased over the counter from Dermisil.
There is also a natural homeopathic shampoo available called
PetAlive Manage Mites Shampoo that can be used in
combination with the Dermisil Lime-Sulfur dip.
Amitraz is also used for Dog Scabies, but it is
not approved everywhere for use, also the efficacy of amitraz is
reported to be very low.
A systemic treatment plan includes the
administration of macrocylic lactones that may be Ivermectin or
selamectin. Ivermectin is considered a very effective option if
administered orally or as a sub cutaneous (Beneath skin)
injection. It is prescribed as two (2) doses at interval of 1
– 2 weeks depending upon severity of infestation. Ivermectin
has adverse effects in several breeds of dogs such as collies and
collie crosses.
Selamectin, part of the macrocyclic lactones group is considered safe in dogs and has low or no adverse effects in Ivermectin – sensitive dogs.
Supportive therapy is important. Multi-vitamins,
mineral supplements and surely including zinc are highly
recommended.
Side Effects from Canine Scabies Treatment
Some breeds of dogs as collies and their crosses
are highly sensitive to Ivermectin, so care should be taken while
administrating Ivermectin in such breeds.
Prevention of Scabies in Dogs
Dog Scabies can be prevented by limiting contact with other dogs that may have the condition. Diseased dogs should be isolated, as this disease is highly contagious and wide spreading. The use of miticidal sprays and products such as Benzarid around and in dog houses and in a dogs environment is highly effective in controlling the problem. There is also a natural homeopathic product called Mange Mites Spray that promotes healthy skin and that can help to repel mites.
All of the dogs belongings should also be washed with a detergent as well.
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References:
Merck Veterinary Manual (Merck & Co. 2008)
J. Pharst., et al. Veterinary Clinician Manual (California Press. 1997)
