Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a small mite only visible under the microscope. The disease is highly contagious from pet to pet. It is very difficult to find in some pets, as only a few mites may result in a severe allergic type of itch reaction. Other pets that are less allergic may be carriers of the mites without showing signs of itching. Many times veterinarians will treat for these mites based on the signs of itching and the appearance of the pet rather than because he or she was able to actually find the mites under the microscope. It is best to treat all the dogs and cats in the household in case one or more are unapparent carriers.

This skin disease is sometimes called “scabies.” Scabies is often diagnosed in people, but the human mite is a different mite from that affecting pets. It is possible for people to become infected from the pet but is termed “self-limiting” because the mites cannot reproduce in the human and therefore eventually die out even without treatment. It appears as a red, itching rash. Consult your physician if this occurs.

Signs include severe itching, reddened skin, bad odor to the skin, and scabs or crusts on the skin if it becomes secondarily infected with bacteria after scratching the skin due to the itching. Many dogs with scabies will have an intense feeling of itching when the margin of the ear flap is rubbed. Rubbing the edge of the ear will lead to immediate scratching with the back foot, called the “pinnal-pedal reflex.”

Once the disease is thoroughly treated, it does not recur unless the pet again contacts an infected animal. Treatment used to consist of messy insecticidal dips. However, we now have several easier options. The newest medication to use for sarcoptic mites is Revolution. This is a topical ointment applied to a small area on the back of a pet’s neck. It is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and soon is distributed to the skin of the entire pet. Revolution also prevents heartworm disease, fleas, ticks and roundworms in pets. Two doses two to four weeks apart are almost 100% effective in killing sarcoptic mange mites. Ivermectin injections are also used to kill the mites.