What is a sarcoptic mite on a dog? - briefly
The sarcoptic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) is a microscopic, burrowing ectoparasite that causes sarcoptic mange in dogs, producing intense itching and skin lesions. Transmission occurs by direct contact, and veterinary diagnosis and treatment are required to eliminate the infestation.
What is a sarcoptic mite on a dog? - in detail
The sarcoptic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) is a microscopic ectoparasite that burrows into the epidermis of canines, causing sarcoptic mange. Adult females are oval, 300–400 µm long, and possess four pairs of legs. Males are slightly smaller and have only two pairs of legs. Females dig tunnels 2–5 mm deep, lay 2–5 eggs per day, and deposit a total of 30–40 eggs before dying. Eggs hatch within 3–4 days, releasing larvae that migrate to the skin surface, develop into nymphs, and mature into adults in approximately two weeks. The entire life cycle completes in 2–3 weeks under optimal temperature and humidity.
Transmission occurs through direct skin‑to‑skin contact or via contaminated bedding, grooming tools, and the environment. A single infested dog can infect several others within a household or kennel. Infestation intensity correlates with host immune response; heavily infested animals exhibit more severe clinical signs.
Typical clinical manifestations include:
- Intense pruritus, especially at night
- Hyperkeratotic crusts and alopecia on ears, elbows, hocks, and abdomen
- Red papules and papular eruptions along tunneling tracks
- Secondary bacterial infections secondary to scratching
Diagnosis relies on:
- Clinical observation of characteristic lesions and behavior
- Skin scrapings examined microscopically for mites, eggs, or fecal pellets
- Dermatoscopy or confocal microscopy for enhanced visualization
- Histopathology when skin scrapings are inconclusive
Effective therapeutic protocols involve:
- Topical acaricides (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin) applied according to label directions
- Systemic ivermectin or milbemycin oxime administered at approved dosages
- Environmental decontamination: washing bedding at ≥ 60 °C, vacuuming, and treating the premises with appropriate acaricidal sprays
- Management of secondary infections with appropriate antibiotics or antiseptics
Prevention strategies include regular use of long‑acting ectoparasitic preventatives, quarantine of new or rescued animals, and maintaining clean living conditions. The mite is zoonotic; humans exposed to infested dogs may develop transient pruritic papules, typically resolving without treatment.
Understanding the mite’s biology, transmission pathways, and clinical impact enables timely intervention, reducing animal discomfort and limiting spread within canine populations.