sarcoptic mange

 

Sarcoptic mange mites will invade the skin of many different types of mammals causing a severe & debilitating skin disease. Foxes & dogs are particularly susceptible to infestation, but the parasite may also be transmitted to humans, cats & farm livestock. Clinically, the disease manifests as intense skin irritation often with secondary bacterial infection. If left untreated, the affected animal becomes debilitated & will ultimately die of secondary disease.

Scabies is currently endemic amongst the urban fox population in Cheltenham & more recently MacDonald Veterinary Clinic has diagnosed cases in pet dogs living in Whittington & Andoversford.

Disease in the dog results from either the irritation caused by the presence of the parasite in the skin or by an allergic hypersensitivity reaction in the host animal. This type of mange is highly contagious  & can be passed by direct contact or through environmental spread.

Clinical signs associated with sarcoptic mange:

1.  intense pruritis ( itchiness ) with scratching & biting of skin

2.  alopecia ( hair loss )

3.  skin eczema with papules & crusting

4.  dogs particularly affected on chest & ear pinnae ( ear flaps )

 

Diagnosis of sarcoptic mange:

  •    provisional diagnosis is made on signs presented clinically

  •    mites may be visualised by viewing skin samples under the microscope

  •    serological blood testing identifies antibodies produced by the affected animal

Treatment of sarcoptic mange in the dog:

  •    skin irritation is controlled using corticosteroid therapy

  •    secondary infection is treated by topical & systemic antibiotic therapy

  •    garlic food supplements will reduce the clinical signs & inhibit the mange mites

  •    mites are destroyed with the application of Stronghold spot-on

  •    all in-contact dogs should also be treated

In order to eradicate this problem, it will be necessary to control mange in the urban fox population. The National Fox Welfare Society offers very useful advice & support in this regard. In addition, they will send out treatment for urban foxes free of charge. For further information, please visit their website: www.nfws.org.uk