Scabies Not Rabies!

Image from: Ron Miller

I'd like to dedicate this post to my oldest dog and best friend, Buddy.  During a recent veterinarian visit, I've learned that he may have scabies.  I didn't have the slightest clue what scabies was other than the fact that it sounded like rabies.  As a dedicated pet owner and veterinary assistant, I believed that if I wrote a blog post on the disease, I'd better educate myself and others about it.  Also, obtaining more information on scabies can better prepare myself with handling Buddy if he does indeed have it.

What is Scabies?

Canine scabies, otherwise known as sarcoptic mange, is a skin disorder caused by tiny spider-like mites.  Scabies parasites are known as Sarcoptes scabiei (Smith, 2013).  Scabies is extremely contagious and can be transmitted through contaminated grooming equipment and kennels.  These mites burrow into the skin of dogs and cause a numerous amount of skin problems.  Scabies can be transmitted to humans from an infected dog and can also be transmitted to other household pets.

Which Animals Are Targeted?

According to Drs. Foster and Smith, "Canine scabies can infect all ages and breeds of dogs. While it prefers to live on dogs, this particular mite will also infect cats, ferrets, humans, and fox. Cats, fox, and humans all have their own particular species of mite within the Sarcoptes family. Each species of mite prefers one specific kind of host, but may also infect others".

Causes

"The most common cause of mange in dogs is exposure to another infected animal, as the mites quickly move from animal to animal. Kennels, animal shelters, dog parks, groomers and veterinary clinics have a high exposure rate of mange due to the close proximity with animals that are infected. The exposure generally occurs about two to six weeks before the first symptoms of mange are displayed" (petMD, 2013).

Diagnosis

Diagnosing scabies can be very difficult and frustrating.  A scabies diagnosis is made by examining samples of skin scrapings under a microscope.  Sometimes the mites aren't identified so to confirm diagnosis, a veterinarian may recommend a scabies treatment as a test.  If the test is positive, the scabies diagnosis is confirmed (WebMD, 2013).  Usually if food allergies, chiggers, and bacterial infections of the skin have been ruled out, a veterinarian will inspect the dog's skin for any invasive microorganisms followed by a treatment test.

Image from: dog-health-today.com

Symptoms

As stated by petMD, some of the most common symptoms of scabies include:

• Intense scratching
• Skin rash
• Crust in the affected area
• Hair loss

One can observe skin rashes and small red bumps or blisters, especially in areas like ear, abdomen, elbows, chest and hocks (Buzzle, 2013).

Treatment

Scabicide, a drugs used to kill itch mites, is generally used to treat dogs with non-seasonal sarcoptic mange.  Scabicidal shampoo can be used on dogs to kill all living mites on the skin (petMD, 2013).  Topical antiseptic ointments can also be used to treat skin lesions or bumps on the skin from scabies.  Remember, scabies treatment should only be conducted on veterinary supervision to ensure optimal and safe results.  If a dog develops bacterial and/or yeast infections, they need to be treated along with the scabies because the infections may be caused by damage from the disease.

Unfortunately, there no preventative measures that can be currently taken to prevent sarcoptic mange.  Also, if your dog develops scabies, limit contact with the dog during treatment to ensure that the disease is not transmitted to you.  If necessary, quarantine the dog until properly treated and healed.  Always take your dog to the veterinarian for regular exams and never try to treat any disease or infection unless prompted by a veterinarian.  

Works Cited:

Buzzle. (2013). Scabies in Dogs. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/scabies-in-dogs.html

petMD. (2013). Mange (Sarcoptic) in Dogs. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from petMD: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_sarcoptic_mange

Smith, D. F. (2013). Sarcoptic Mange. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from pet education: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2111&aid=764

WebMD. (2013). Dog Mange (Scabies). Retrieved April 17, 2013, from WebMD: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-mange-scabies