Sarcoptic mites Sarcoptes scabiei can only be found after deep skin scraping. The sub species S. scabiei canis can be found in dogs and causes sarcoptic mange. Four different stages of development exist.
Clinical signs in dogs include localised, intense pruritic dermatitis with papules and crusting, leading to severe self-trauma with excoriation to the point of bleeding, with localised alopecia. If untreated, it can progress to whole body dermatitis with alopecia, erythema, skin thickening, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes and general debilitation in chronic cases.
In cats, pruritus is not reported as a prominent clinical sign, but crusted lesions are seen.
Pet owners of infected animals may also have pruritic lesions and papules, commonly in the interdigital spaces on hands or around the abdomen.
- Treatment is based on the use of acaricides.
- Treatment may be local, based on repeated cutaneous application for about 3 weeks (depending on how long the products remain on the skin) in order to cover the entire life cycle of the acarids.
Long term:
- Maintenance of good hygiene (regular cleaning and disinfecting of boxes, depopulation)
- Good overall state of health in animals
Humans may also be affected, presenting with localised pruritus and papules, most often on the owner’s forearms. Clinical signs disappear spontaneously in 2 to 3 weeks after the dogs have been treated.
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