The Dog Spot
Canine Scabies Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Canine Scabies. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Sarcoptic Mange
from: Kyle BesserWhile you are grooming your dog, you notice that his coat seems to be shedding abnormally. You also notice that your dog is scratching and licking himself frantically. You check his coat to see if you can find any signs of fleas, ticks, or lice, but find instead what look like big pimples and scaly skin. Every day that goes by the symptoms seem to be getting worse. Your dog may be suffering from sarcoptic mange, which is more commonly known as canine scabies.
Mange occurs when mites burrow under the skin. Sarcoptic mange is a parasitic condition that is caused by a specific type of mite called sarcoptes scabei. Sarcoptes scabei are are rapidly burrowing mites that look very similar to tiny spiders.
Sarcoptes scabei is highly contagious and can easily spread from dog to dog, from dog to cat, and from dog to human. Sarcoptes scabei mite eggs are laid just a few millimeters under the skin and generally take between three to ten days to hatch.
Symptoms of sarcoptic mange, or canine scabies, include intense and excessive scratching, licking, biting, loss of hair, and reddened and encrusted skin. Areas that are most often affected are the edges of the ears, the face, the lower chest, the elbows, and the legs.
If you think your dog is suffering from sarcoptic mange, you need to consult your vet. Your vet will do a series of skin tests to determine if your dog is infested with mites. He will then give you instructions on how to use certain topical medications that will kill the sarcoptic mites. Your vet may also give you an anti-inflammatory drug to relieve the symptoms of swelling and itching in the affected areas. It may be necessary for your vet to prescribe an antibiotic if the scratching turns into an infection.
To lessen the spread of mite infestation, you may need to thoroughly clean your entire house and pay special attention to the areas where your dog usually spends his time. You will need to thoroughly clean or dispose of all bedding your dog has slept on.
Sarcoptic mange is very contagious. If you think you might have become affected by your dog's mite problem, ask your doctor for advice on treatment and medication for yourself.
Related Articles for Canine Scabies
Dog-Parasites Online News
Secret Service chief denies 'culture' of impropriety - Christian Science Monitor
 Christian Science Monitor | Secret Service chief denies 'culture' of impropriety Christian Science Monitor Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan said the scandal involving agents and prostitutes in Colombia was not part of a 'systemic issue.' But Sen. Susan Collins said it 'was almost certainly not an isolated incident.' By Brad Knickerbocker, Staff writer ... Secret Service - or 'Secret Circus'? US Secret Service chief apologizes for sex scandal Inquiry hears of wider Secret Service misbehavior |
Obama spokesman incorrectly says Romney moving goal posts on unemployment - Washington Post
 Globe and Mail | Obama spokesman incorrectly says Romney moving goal posts on unemployment Washington Post WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's campaign says Republican rival Mitt Romney is trying to “move the goal posts” and reverse his position on unemployment. Actually, that's a fumble of the facts. In an interview with Time magazine, Romney predicts ... Obama team wrongly says Romney moves goal posts Romney Works to Balance Bain With General-Election Demands Romney Wades Into Tricky Waters With Unemployment Rate Promise |
GOP Rep. King says Obama officials disclosed identity of jailed Pakistani doctor - Fox News
 The Guardian | GOP Rep. King says Obama officials disclosed identity of jailed Pakistani doctor Fox News GOP Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, expressed concern Wednesday about the extent of the Obama administration's efforts to protect the Pakistan doctor who was sent to prison in Pakistan for treason after helping to ... Security breach alleged in making of bin Laden raid film Profile: Shakil Afridi US to press for release of Pakistani doctor who helped find Bin Laden |
Lawmakers to investigate disabled veterans charity - CNN International
 Bellingham Herald | Lawmakers to investigate disabled veterans charity CNN International By David Fitzpatrick and Drew Griffin, CNN Special Investigations Unit Watch Drew Griffin's latest reporting on the investigation and an interview with Sen. Max Baucus tonight on "AC360" at 8 ET. Washington (CNN) -- The Senate Finance Committee is ... Baucus: Senate investigating veterans charity Sen. Baucus of Mon. says Senate Finance Committee is investigating disabled ... |