Sarcoptes Mange

This type of mange is extremely contagious between dogs. It is the mange most people picture when the think of a “mangy dog”. Dogs of any age can contract Sarcoptes, especially if they have been at a dog park, boarding facility, or shelter.

Most pets with Sarcoptes are extremely itchy. They will develop hair loss, reddened skin, and scabbing especially on ear flaps, elbows, feet, and chest. These signs are not seasonal and will progressively worsen,
sometimes to the extent of the patient not sleeping or eating due to the pruritus. Clinical signs usually develop within 2-6 weeks of exposure to an affected animal.

The mite Sarcoptes scabiei is the causative agent with this mange. These mites burrow deep into the skin and cause extreme itching by local irritation and by producing allergenic substances that the pet reacts to.
The most common treatments include Selamectin (Revolution) applied every 14 to 30 days, Ivermectin injections every 1-2 weeks, or milbemycin (Interceptor) every 2 weeks until the patient is cured. Some pets need to be treated for at least 4-6 weeks. Many veterinarians will treat a pet on the assumption the pet has mange since Sarcoptes is very hard to find on a skin scraping. Some pets will still itch up to one month after the treatment has started. Any dog that has come into contact with a Sarcoptic-positive dog need to be treated regardless of clinical signs to prevent spreading.