Canine sarcoptic mange (sarcoptic acariasis, canine scabies)

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange is a common, highly contagious, ectoparasitic, pruritic skin disease affecting many mammalian species, including the domestic dog. The mite species responsible is Sarcoptes scabiei, a burrowing mite, which can produce pruritus and lesions on any part of the body, but the skin of the pinnal margins, the points of the elbows and hocks and the caudal ventral abdomen appear to be particularly susceptible to infestation. Definitive diagnosis of sarcoptic mange can prove challenging, as mite detection rates in skin scrapings are sometimes low. However, a serological test to check for circulating anti-Sarcoptes antibodies can assist with diagnosis or patients may respond to a scabicidal therapeutic trial. With appropriate treatment, canine sarcoptic mange typically carries an excellent prognosis, and re-infestation, although possible, is uncommon. Please note: Wiley-Blackwell are not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing material) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.