DERMATOLOGY By Carol S. Foil, DVM, MS, Diplomate A.C.V.D. Board-certified specialist through the American College of Veterinary Dermatology

Sarcoptic mange is a very itchy disease caused by a small mite not visible to the naked eye. Areas where the mites tend to burrow under the skin include the tips of the ears, elbows, hocks, chest and belly. However, in a severe infestation, mites can cause problems on the animal's entire body.

Diagnosis is made by performing several skin scrapings and examining the debris under a microscope. Unfortunately, in many dogs that have sarcoptic mange, no mites can be seen on skin scrapings. If sarcoptic mange is suspected, treatment may be the only way to diagnose and cure your dog.

This disease is highly contagious and can spread from pet to pet or from pet to human. Other dogs in the household should be treated whether or not they have symptoms. If any members of the family have red itchy bumps on their skin, they should consult their physician. Mites can only survive a short time off the dog; however, to ensure that there is no reinfection, your dog's living quarters should be thoroughly cleaned and bedding washed or thrown away.

No matter which treatment is chosen, your dog may remain contagious for the next 2 to 4 weeks. Please keep him/her confined and away from other dogs and unexposed persons until you re-check appointment.

Treatment

Treatment sometimes includes clipping your dog's hair coat. This will depend upon length of the hair coat and severity of the disease. If a dip is used, a good shampoo to remove all the scales and crust before dipping is recommended.

Several medicines can be used to kill the mites. These are in the form of dips, oral/injectable medications, or spot-on products.

(specific instructions to be provided by your veterinarian)

Lime Sulfur Dip (LymDyp®)
Dilute _____ oz(s) to _____ gallon(s) of water. Apply dip every ____ days for ____ treatments. Shampoo your dog with ______________ before each dip. Dip all in-contact dogs with the diluted lime dip. Avoid getting the lime sulfur on paint, wood and jewelry while dipping your dog. Unfortunately, the lime sulfur will smell like rotten eggs. It may stain porcelain tubs. Do not rinse the dip off, the smell will dissipate with time. Please make a recheck appointment after the ______ dip.

Ivermectin (Ivomec®)
Ivermectin is very effective at killing mites. It is used as a heartworm preventive. For scabies, it is widely used, but the FDA has not approved its use in the dog at the necessary dose. Thus it is an experimental treatment for scabies. With your approval, your dog will be given Ivermectin for ______ treatments every _____ days. This treatment is never used in collie-type herding breeds.

Milbemycin (Interceptor®)
This is a heartworm preventive drug that can be used at much higher doses, and given weekly to kill mange mites. Give ____ tablets once a week for ____ weeks. Please make a recheck appointment in ______________.

Selamectin (Revolution®)
This is an endectocide that is effective against many parasites including the Sarcoptic mange mite. It is placed on the skin at the back of the neck and absorbed into the system to have its effect. It takes two doses, one month apart, to have 100% success. Use _____ vial of Revolution on ________ and ________. Please make appointment for re-evaluation in _______________.  

Date Published: May 24, 2002

Date Published: 11/30/2003 12:33:00 PM