Highly contagious mange caused by burrowing mites in dogs (sarcoptic mange)
- Synonyms: Sarcoptes mange, Sarcoptes infection
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Skin/Fur
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
Sarcoptes mange is a contagious skin disease in dogs caused by infestation with the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. It leads to intense itching and skin changes.
Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick
Sarcoptic mange in dogs is caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which lives as a parasite in the dog’s skin. The infection occurs mainly through direct Contact with infected animals. These mites can also infest humans, but only cause temporary symptoms there because they cannot reproduce. Typical symptoms in dogs are severe Itching, Hair loss, and Skin rash with crusting, especially on the ears and limbs. Diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and the detection of mites in skin samples, although serological tests can also be helpful.
Treatment includes antiparasitic medications such as Ivermectin and Selamectin to kill the mites, as well as additional measures to relieve the Itching and treat secondary infections. The prognosis is good with timely treatment, but untreated cases can lead to severe skin damage. Prevention includes avoiding Contact with infected animals and regular use of antiparasitics. Research focuses on genetic analysis of the mites, vaccine development, and improving diagnostic methods to combat the disease more effectively. Good hygiene practices also help reduce the risk of transmission.
Ursachen
Sarcoptes scabiei is a microscopic mite that belongs to the family Sarcoptidae. These mites are obligate Parasites, meaning they require a host to survive and reproduce. The infection occurs when the female mites burrow tunnels into the upper skin layer of the dog to lay their eggs. The entire life cycle of the mite, from egg laying to the adult stage, takes about two to three weeks.
The main route of transmission of sarcoptic mange is direct Contact with an infected animal. Since the mites can only survive outside the host for a short time, transmission via contaminated environmental materials is less common, but still possible. The disease is particularly common in animal shelters, kennels, or other environments where many dogs live together in close quarters.
The mites are also able to infest humans, leading to a so-called “pseudoscabies.” However, this is self-limiting, as the mites cannot reproduce on the human body. An infestation can lead to temporary itching and Skin rash.
Symptoms
The main symptom of sarcoptic mange in dogs is intense Itching, triggered by an allergic reaction to the mites and their excretions. This causes dogs to scratch, bite, and rub frequently, leading to further skin damage.
Among the most common Skin changes are redness, crusting, and Hair loss, especially on the ears, elbows, belly, and legs. In advanced stages, the Skin thickened and take on a scaly or leathery texture. Secondary bacterial infections are common because the damaged skin is more susceptible to bacteria.
Some dogs may also show general signs of malaise, such as Lethargy or loss of appetite. Since the Itching can be very distressing, Behavioral changes such as Irritability or Nervousness may also occur.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of sarcoptic mange is based on a combination of clinical signs, medical history, and diagnostic tests. The medical history can provide clues about possible Contact with infected animals. The clinical signs—especially severe Itching and the typical Skin changes—are often suggestive.
The gold standard for confirming the diagnosis is the detection of mites or their eggs in a skin scraping. A small amount of skin is scraped off and examined under a microscope. However, this test can be negative because the mites may be present in low numbers or hidden deep in the skin.
Another diagnostic approach is the use of serological tests that detect antibody against Sarcoptes scabiei. These tests can be helpful when direct detection of mites is difficult. However, false-negative results can occur, especially in the early stages of the infection.
Therapie
The therapy of Sarcoptes mange includes several approaches to kill the mites, relieve the itching, and treat secondary infections. One of the most common treatments is the use of antiparasitics, such as Ivermectin, Selamectin, or Moxidectin. These medications can be administered as spot-on preparations, tablets, or injections.
In addition, shampoos and baths with insecticidal agents can help reduce the mite count on the skin surface. However, these should be used in combination with systemic treatments, as they alone are often not sufficient to completely eliminate the infection.
To relieve the Itching and reduce the inflammation, corticosteroids or antihistamines can be administered. In severe cases of secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics are necessary.
Prognose und Nachsorge
The prognosis for dogs with sarcoptic mange is generally good, provided it is diagnosed and treated in time. With the right therapy, the symptoms usually subside within a few weeks. However, it is important to continue treatment for the recommended duration to ensure that all mites are killed.
If left untreated, Sarcoptes mange can lead to severe skin damage and significant suffering. In extreme cases, it can lead to a chronic skin disease that is more difficult to treat and requires a longer recovery time.
Prävention
Effective prevention of Sarcoptes mange involves avoiding Contact with infected animals. Dogs living in communities such as animal shelters or kennels should be regularly checked for signs of mange to ensure early detection and therapy.
Regular use of antiparasitics that are also effective against Sarcoptes mites can serve as a preventive measure, especially in areas where the disease is common. Good hygiene and regular cleaning of the environment can also help reduce the risk of transmission.
Since mites can also infest humans, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene and consult a doctor if an infection is suspected. This helps minimize the spread of mites between humans and animals.
Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung
In current research on sarcoptic mange in dogs, scientists are focusing on various aspects of the disease to develop better diagnostic and treatment options. One major area of research is the genetic analysis of Sarcoptes mites to understand their genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms. This could help develop more robust treatment strategies and prevent the mites from adapting to existing treatments.
Another important area of research is the development of vaccines. Although there are currently no vaccines against sarcoptic mange, researchers are studying dogs’ immune responses to Sarcoptes infections to identify potential vaccine candidates. The challenge is to identify the specific antigens that can trigger a protective immune response.
Work is also being done to improve diagnostic tests. Current tests often rely on clinical symptoms and skin examinations. The development of molecular tests that detect specific DNA sequences of mites could lead to a more accurate and faster diagnosis. This is particularly important in cases where the symptoms do not clearly indicate sarcoptic mange.
Another area of research examines the environmental survival of Sarcoptes mites. The goal is to better understand how long mites can survive in different environments and which environmental factors influence their spread. Such information could help control the spread of the disease in animal communities.
Researchers are also investigating alternative treatment methods, including the use of natural or plant-based substances that may have an acaricidal effect. These studies are particularly important because some chemical treatments can have side effects or the mites have become resistant.
Overall, research aims to expand knowledge about the biology of Sarcoptes mites as well as the pathogenesis of mange. By better understanding these factors, scientists hope to develop more advanced and effective prevention and treatment strategies that can ultimately improve the well-being of affected dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is sarcoptic mange?
2. How is sarcoptic mange transmitted?
3. What symptoms does a dog with sarcoptic mange show?
4. How is the disease diagnosed?
5. Can sarcoptic mange be transmitted to humans?
6. What treatment options are available?
7. How can you prevent a sarcoptic mange infection?
8. How long does treatment for sarcoptic mange take?
9. Can all dogs get sarcoptic mange?
10. What happens if sarcoptic mange is left untreated?
Literatur
- European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites. (2022). Control of ectoparasites in dogs and cats (ESCCAP Guideline 03, 7th ed.). ESCCAP.
- Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites. (2022). Guidelines for the control of ectoparasites of dogs and cats in the tropics (1st ed.). TroCCAP.
- Dumitrache, M. O., & Cadiergues, M.-C. (2023). The most effective systemic treatment in dogs with sarcoptic mange: A critically appraised topic. BMC Veterinary Research, 19, 189. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-023-03759-1
- Hampel, V., Knaus, M., Schäfer, J., Beugnet, F., & Rehbein, S. (2018). Treatment of canine sarcoptic mange with afoxolaner (NexGard®) and afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime (NexGard Spectra®) chewable tablets: Efficacy under field conditions in Portugal and Germany. Parasite, 25, Article 63. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2018064
- Romero, C., Heredia, R., Pineda, J., Serrano, J. A., Mendoza, G. D., Trápala, P., & Cordero, A. M. (2016). Efficacy of fluralaner in 17 dogs with sarcoptic mange. Veterinary Dermatology, 27(5), 353–e88. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12363
- Taenzler, J., Liebenberg, J., Roepke, R. K. A., Frénais, R., & Heckeroth, A. R. (2016). Efficacy of fluralaner administered either oral or topically for the treatment of naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis infestation in dogs. Parasites & Vectors, 9, 392. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-016-1670-7
- Krieger, K., Heine, J., Dumont, P., & Hellmann, K. (2005). Efficacy and safety of imidacloprid 10% plus moxidectin 2.5% spot-on in the treatment of sarcoptic mange and otoacariosis in dogs: Results of a European field study. Parasitology Research, 97(Suppl. 1), S81–S88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-005-1449-9
- Moog, F., Brun, J., Bourdeau, P., & Cadiergues, M.-C. (2021). Clinical, parasitological, and serological follow-up of dogs with sarcoptic mange treated oral with lotilaner. Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 2021, 6639017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6639017
- European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites. (2022). Control of ectoparasites in dogs and cats (ESCCAP Guideline 03, 7th ed.). ESCCAP.
- Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites. (2022). Guidelines for the control of ectoparasites of dogs and cats in the tropics (1st ed.). TroCCAP.
- Dumitrache, M. O., & Cadiergues, M.-C. (2023). The most effective systemic treatment in dogs with sarcoptic mange: A critically appraised topic. BMC Veterinary Research, 19, 189. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-023-03759-1
- Hampel, V., Knaus, M., Schäfer, J., Beugnet, F., & Rehbein, S. (2018). Treatment of canine sarcoptic mange with afoxolaner (NexGard®) and afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime (NexGard Spectra®) chewable tablets: Efficacy under field conditions in Portugal and Germany. Parasite, 25, Article 63. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2018064
- Romero, C., Heredia, R., Pineda, J., Serrano, J. A., Mendoza, G. D., Trápala, P., & Cordero, A. M. (2016). Efficacy of fluralaner in 17 dogs with sarcoptic mange. Veterinary Dermatology, 27(5), 353–e88. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12363
- Taenzler, J., Liebenberg, J., Roepke, R. K. A., Frénais, R., & Heckeroth, A. R. (2016). Efficacy of fluralaner administered either oral or topically for the treatment of naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis infestation in dogs. Parasites & Vectors, 9, 392. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-016-1670-7
- Krieger, K., Heine, J., Dumont, P., & Hellmann, K. (2005). Efficacy and safety of imidacloprid 10% plus moxidectin 2.5% spot-on in the treatment of sarcoptic mange and otoacariosis in dogs: Results of a European field study. Parasitology Research, 97(Suppl. 1), S81–S88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-005-1449-9
- Moog, F., Brun, J., Bourdeau, P., & Cadiergues, M.-C. (2021). Clinical, parasitological, and serological follow-up of dogs with sarcoptic mange treated oral with lotilaner. Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 2021, 6639017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6639017