Mites, Mange and Creepy Crawly Things

When we refer to "mange" in dogs and cats, we are usually referring a mite infestation of the skin. The two most common skin mites found in dogs are Demodex canis (canine demodicosis) and Sarcoptes scabiei (canine scabies). I am going to limit this blog to these two types of mites.

Canine Demodicosis

Demodex mites live and fed in the hair follicle and oil glands of the skin. Many dogs have small numbers of Demodex mites in their skin without causing any problems or clinical signs. Demodex mites can cause clinical signs when the host dog is immunocompromised and the mites can reproduce into large numbers. Clinically, demodicosis can present in two form: localized and generalized.

Localized demodicosis occurs in dogs less then two years of age who show signs of irregularly shaped, mildly irritated areas of hairloss. For the most part, the skin is usually not inflammed and only mildly pruritic (itchy). Many cases of localized demodicosis will resolve spontaneously without treatment. Prognosis for this form is good. In contrast, generalized demodicosis is a severe disease. Dogs with the generalized form usually have secondary bacterial infections with systemic disease including lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), lethargy, fever and cellulitis. Generalized demodicosis is usually seen in adult dogs with an underlying immune or systemic disease. The underlying disease must be diagnosed for treatment to be effective. Unfortunately, these cases can be difficult to cure.

For the most part, Demodex mites are not considered contagious. However, if a mother has Demodex mites present on her skin, the mites can invade the newborn puppy immediately after birth. If the pup has a normal, healthy immune system, the pup should be able to eliminate the mites. Because of this, young dogs showing clinical signs of demodicosis may have a hereditary predisposition for demodicosis and should not be used for breeding.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of canine demodicosis is made by perfoming a skin scraping on the affected areas and identifying the demodex mite under a microscrope. This is a picture of a demodex mite.

Note the elongated, cigar-shaped mite with eight legs. Demodicosis is rare in cats but can occur.

Treatment

Canine demodicosis has been successfully treated with whole body dips. Some of these dips are no longer on the market. Oral ivermectin is successful in treating demodectic mange but should be used cautiously and under the supervision of a veterinarian. Antiparasitic therapy must be continued for 2 consecutive negative skin scrapings.

Canine Scabies

In contrast to Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites are highly contagious by direct contact between dogs. These mites burrow tunnels into the skin to lay eggs, causing intense pruritis (itching), inflammation and hairloss. The Sarcoptes mite is round, without a distinctive head and they have four pairs of short legs. Sarcoptic mites can infest people causing intense pruritis in pet owners!Dogs with Sarcoptic mites may have raised papules on their skin which develop into thick crusts. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections may result leading to chronic, generalized disease with severe skin thickening if left untreated.

Here is a picture of a dog with Sarcoptic mites. Note the reddened, scabby appearance of the skin especially on the pinna (ear flap) of the ears. Sarcoptic mites commonly inhabit the ear flaps of affected dogs.

This pup was very itchy!

Diagnosis

Unlike Demodex mites, Sarcoptic mites can be difficult to diagnose from a skin scraping. These mites can be elusive leading to misdiagnosis. Treatment for Sarcoptic mites should be instituted if the history and clinical signs are suggestive.

Treatment

As with canine demodicosis, Sarcoptic mange can be treated successfully with parasitical whole body dips. Oral ivermectin is also successful in treating Sarcoptic mites but should be used cautiously and under the supervision of a veterinarian. A topical parasitical, called Revolution, is approved for the treatment of Sarcoptic mites. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections must also be treated.

So, now you know the difference between the common skin mites that cause mange in dogs. If you are like me, just the thought of these little guys make me itch!

Millie Mae-the Pup from Turkey Neck Bend Ferry

Miss Millie Mae @ the AVC

This is a great story about a stray, Beagle mix puppy named Millie Mae. Monica Miller, a veterinary technician at the Arthur Veterinary Clinic and her family were staying at a bed and breakfast cabin near Thompkinsville, Kentucky. Unfortunately, they were in Kentucky for the funeral of Monica's grandmother. To reach their destination, they had to cross the Cumberland River at McMillan's Landing using the Turkey Neck Bend Ferry which is the only state funded ferry in Kentucky and one of the last remaining free-floating ferries.

Anyway, as Monica and her family were crossing the Cumberland River, they noticed a small, Beagle type pup which obviously was a stray. Monica noticed that the pup had very little hair on her legs, face and ears. Her skin was reddened and itchy. Even though the pup was being fed table scraps and junk food by the operators of the ferry, she was scrawny and thin. Plus, the temperature was in the 90s with very high humidity. What impressed Monica the most, though, was the pup's exceptionally happy attitude. I mean, we all know how dogs can have amazing, positive personalities....but this little pup really caught Monica's attention. Weighing only 7 pounds, she would approach everyone wagging her tail and wiggling her entire body as if she had the best life in the world! As Monica said, "she was perfectly happy and accepting of her lot in life". Well.......after a couple of trips across the river, Monica decided to bring "Millie Mae" back home with her to Illinois.

Millie Mae has been staying at the AVC where we have all fallen in love with her. She has been treated for sarcoptic mites, demodex mites, hookworms and roundworms. She has gained weight, grew hair and continued to demonstrate her extraordinary personality! Now, all she needs is a home. She loves people, has never made a mess in her cage and is great with cats.....be sure and watch the video. We will make sure she goes to a great home! If you are interested in adopting Miss Millie Mae, please call the Arthur Veterinary Clinic.