Sarcoptes Scabiei in Dogs

Sarcoptes scabiei mites are more closely related to spiders than insects.

Sarcoptes scabiei is a type of parasitic mite. An infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei mites can lead to a disease called sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies.

Sarcoptes Scabiei Life Cycle

Female Sarcoptes scabiei mites burrow under a dog's skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch in the burrows and mature into nymphs and finally into adults before they make their way to the surface, where they mate and repeat the cycle.

Symptoms

Dogs with sarcoptic mange are intensely itchy. They scratch and bite at themselves, often creating open wounds that can develop into secondary infections. They also experience hair loss.

Contagion

Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs. People who are exposed to Sarcoptes scabiei mites may itch for several days until the mites die, but they will not develop sarcoptic mange.

Diagnosis

Peteducation.com says that sarcoptic mange can be diagnosed by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will scrape a bit of skin off of the affected area and will examine it under a microscope to look for the presence of mites.

Treatment

Scabies can be treated using a medicated dip or by using oral medications such as Selamectin or Ivermectin. Secondary infections may need to be treated with antibiotics.

References

• Pet Education: Sarcoptic Mange
• Dog Owner's Guide: Mange
• Pawprints & Purrs: Canine Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)