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SCABIES (Sarcoptes/Mange)

Scabies is a parasitic disease that affect dogs. It is a small mite Sarcoptes Scabei that burrows under the skin and causes severe itching.

Sarcoptic mange is more common than we think. Any animals that have access to areas where foxes and wombats may inhabit, or access to young pups that may have passed through a puppy farm, may have the opportunity to become infected.

Affected dogs can scratch so much that the skin may bleed and this can lead to secondary infections and sleepless nights for dog and owner!

Symptoms

The pruritus in dogs is usually extreme and coincides with a history of access. Often it is described as an "ears and elbows" disease in that there is crusting found around the ears and the elbows. The main lesion in dogs are papules ( large pimples).

If no papules exist, scabies is less likely although this does not apply if large doses of steroids have been given.

Diagnosis

The mite is too small to see with the naked eye and can be very hard to find in a skin scrape- so if the vets do find one then they will probably get pretty excited! A negative scraping is definitely not a method of excluding scabies from the diagnosis.

Often diagnosis may be made due to the history of the condition in the animal and the lack of response to treatment for more common problems.

Often the diagnosis is made by response to treatment.

Spread to humans (Zoonoses)

This is a parasite that can affect humans and owners may notice very itchy red spots on their own forearms or belly region- please consult a doctor if this is the case.

The best treatment is a product called Revolution which is also effective against fleas and heartworm larvae. Usually two treatments are required though some dogs may need repeated doses if they are re-exposed.

Treatment Options

Each animal may be treated differently depending on finances, concern for safety, and ease of application.

1. Amitraz
   Registered for use at 50% the Demodex concentration. Very effective but if
   thick crusts are present, these must be bathed away first. Side effects of drowsiness, lethargy, ataxia, death and coma are occasionally seen. Antidote is Yohimbine to effect.
   
   
2. Ivermectin
   Not registered. Used at this clinic at a dose of 300ug/kg twice weekly for 4 weeks. NOT to be used in Collies or Shelties or there crosses. Idiosyncratic reaction in other breeds sometimes seen. Step up to this dose recommended. Standard off-label use warnings to client.
   
   
3. Milbemycin (Interceptor or Sentinel)
   2mg/kg weekly or twice weekly for 4-6 weeks. No side effects seen yet although it is unregistered for use at this dose so care must be used with susceptible breeds.
   
   
4. Frontline Spray
   Suitable for young animals with short coats. Used fortnightly for 3 applications, high efficacy but not registered for this use. Long coated animals not as efficacious.
   
   
5. Revolution
   Used according to directions on the  packets.
   
   
6. Advocate
   Used according to directions on the  packets.
   

Using a shampoo such as Malaseb or Pyohex twice weekly can control pyoderma. Irritant shampoos should be avoided.