"Lucy" is a 17 week old intact female Yorkshire terrier who presented to Tatum Point Animal Hospital for her final puppy vaccine boosters. On that visit, the owners noted that Lucy had been progressively itchy for approximately 2 weeks, with the dog being uncomfortable for "23 out of the 24 hours" in a day. In addition, the owners noted that they had started to itch on their chests and arms, as well. On examination, Lucy was very itchy throughout the exam, notably around the head and neck. She had scales, crusts, and rash-like bumps on the top of her head (Figure 1, below), behind both ears, and along the middle of her back.

The possible causes for itching and skin lesions in such a young dog include early-onset allergies (e.g. to foods or environmental allergens), ectoparasites (e.g. Fleas, Sarcoptic mange, Lice), bacterial or fungal skin infections, primary seborrhea, and behavioral issues. The intensity of the dog's itching, despite her young age, as well as the fact that the owners were also exhibiting similar symptoms, indicated the possibility of Sarcoptic mange. A total of 6 skin scrapings were performed, collecting samples of scale and debris from the dog's skin lesions using a dulled scalpel blade. The samples were then examined in mineral oil under the microscope, and only a single mite was found (Figure 2, below), but that confirmed the diagnosis of Sarcoptic mange.

Sarcoptic mange, also known as Scabies, is caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), that burrows just beneath the surface of the skin, feeding on material in and around the skin. The mites secrete allergenic substances, which lead to a progressive hypersensitivity reaction and intense itching. Sarcoptic mange is extremely contagious between dogs, as well as to humans. However, infection in humans is generally short-lived, resolving when the affected pets are treated. Affected animals often have a history of being in a shelter, in a boarding or grooming facility, or being in contact with stray dogs, often weeks before signs develop. Any age of dog may be affected.

In addition to the intense itching, dogs will often develop progressive skin lesions, including crusts (classically on the elbows, hocks, and ear flaps), patchy hair loss, and rash-like bumps and redness to the skin. With time, the lesions may extend over the entire body, including the belly and the legs. The diagnosis is made by demonstrating the mite on skin scrapings, however, it is estimated that only 20% of skin scrapings will be positive, due to the fact that the mites burrow deep into the skin, and it only takes a few mites to cause significant itching. Thus, the condition is often misdiagnosed as stemming from allergies, or other causes, and ineffective treatment may be instituted.

Treatment of Sarcoptic mange involves care of the patient and the environment, as well as ALL other pets in the home. Selamectin ("Revolution"), which is a topical medication applied to the back of the neck once every 2 weeks for a 6 week course, has been shown to be very effective against the mites, and is the current treatment of choice. For Lucy, Selamectin was dispensed, and was very effective, although it still took about 1 month for her itching to fully subside. Lucy also was treated for 10 days with an oral antibiotic, for a secondary Staph infection in the skin due to the mites. The owners also had a cat, and a 6 week course of Selamectin was prescribed for her, as well. For the home, the owners were instructed to wash all bedding in hot water weekly during the course of Lucy's topical treatment. If the owners continued themselves to experience any itching or skin lesions, they were instructed to consult their physician.

Sarcoptic mange is one of many medical problems we see at Tatum Point Animal Hospital. If your pet is experiencing an illness, medical emergency, or just needing an annual exam, please call and schedule an appointment today.